Singer Rupam Islam, known primarily in the Bengali music fraternity for his inclination towards the rock genre, has pleasantly surprised fans by lending his voice to Rabindra Sangeet in a feature film, with the release of Keno chokher jole from the upcoming movie Ami Jokhon Hema Malini. The film, directed by Paramita Munsi and starring veteran actor Chiranjeet Chakraborty, weaves Tagore’s lyrics into its narrative, giving audiences a blend of tradition and contemporary storytelling. Released on streaming platforms, Islam’s version of the song has already begun to draw attention. The novelty of hearing a much-loved rock legend amplify the eternal elegance of Tagore has no doubt done much in garnering buzz around the film.
The music video captures this transition beautifully, with the visuals leaning into a restrained, almost minimalist treatment – refreshing to see, especially in an industry that so often relies on high production gloss and heavy VFX. Set against soft lighting, everyday details and the quiet rhythms of ordinary life, the video mirrors the song’s contemplative mood, allowing the poignancy of Tagore’s words to shine through rather than being overshadowed by elaborate musical or visual arrangements. Unlike Islam’s more familiar rock soundscapes, the instrumentation here is subtle, and the restraint in the arrangement ensures that the emphasis remains squarely on the emotive power of the lyrics.
The story of Ami Jokhon Hema Malini itself adds another layer to the song’s impact. The narrative appears quite intriguing and seems to explore themes of memory, longing, and self-discovery, with Keno chokher jole appearing as a crucial emotional juncture in the film. Director Paramita Munsi’s concept in placing a Rabindra Sangeet within this story seems deliberate, almost as though using Tagore’s words not just as background music but as a character in itself in shaping the mood and progression of the plot.
The lyrics and composition, credited to Rabindranath Tagore, thus find renewed voice through Islam’s performance and the film’s cinematic treatment, reaffirming how the poet’s works continue to inspire reinterpretation more than a century after they were written. By pairing the cultural gravitas of Tagore with the contemporary appeal of a singer like Rupam Islam, the new version not only pays homage to tradition but also opens up Rabindra Sangeet to a younger generation in a language they can connect with — through cinema, music, and storytelling.