The first song Anupam Roy wrote for muse Piya Chakraborty was Ure jaak, a track full of longing and wanting to connect, back in 2008. The two got married in 2015. Today — on V-Day — tune into Anupam’s first album after marriage. 

Ebar Morle Gachh Hawbo (Windows Music) showcases a socially concerned artiste talking about environmental issues and “the brain drain from Calcutta”. Wondering about the shift? “He is only writing songs about society now… you can say my influence has worked on him… after all I am a student of sociology,” chips in wife Piya with a smile. “Of course, the love songs are also there,” adds Anupam, taking t2 through the tracks of his fourth album. 
Amar shawhor 

We have grown up in Calcutta, we love the city, but we see all our friends living abroad. Many of my friends have left the city. Why? Because they are finding better opportunities outside Calcutta. And it’s like the whole city is turning into this old-age home. We see the parents here but the sons and daughters live in Bangalore, Bombay or in the US. No one does their PhD in Calcutta. Where are the youth? They are moving away in search of better opportunities, and that’s a point of concern. One must retain and keep the talent in this city. Most of the good musicians have shifted base to Bombay. Calcutta is walking but with a limp. 

EBAR MORLE GACHH HAWBO

For me, the album is the perfect place to make a statement. I can’t always  do that when I am writing songs for films. The album is the best space for me to put across my thoughts about issues I feel strongly about in an independent manner. I like greenery, nature, I don’t like littering the streets. The progress of science and technology comes at a cost and I don’t think we can still fathom the extent of this ‘cost’. We can see the weather change, that the birds don’t come to the city anymore…we seriously have to think about preserving nature. 

ROCK AND ROLL

Rock and roll is not just music, it is a way of life, it has its own spirit. This music has played an important role in our lives while growing up. It has shaped our sensibilities. But somehow I feel the world is taking me away from my original rock roots of inspiration. Rock and roll is losing its past glory. This is the premise of the song…. It’s our tribute to rock and roll. Rishabh (guitarist) has played a lovely, long solo.   

OESTROGEN

It’s a love song… it’s sensual. We all talk about feelings and emotions but ultimately it is the hormone that is driving us. Think of it, art shrouds the carnal instincts with poetry. And we express our love and attraction in different ways, say, by gifting flowers or cakes. I wrote the song in 2011. Mainak (Bhaumik) liked the song and wanted to use it in his film Family Album. At the last moment, Mainak went for Sheddho bhaat.  The arrangement of the song is really youthful and vibrant. 

BYATHA LAAGE

The lyrics are by novelist Tilottama Majumdar, and Upal Sengupta has composed the music. In the song, a person is sitting alone in a room, maybe waiting for someone. 

CHOITRER KAFON

This is a rare Mohiner Ghoraguli song which is one of my faves. Mohiner Ghoraguli has been an inspiration for me, and it’s an important song in the history of Bengali music. 

ANUPAM-PIYA’S FAVE LOVE SONGS

• Jodi bolo hyan by Chandrabindoo
• Melody of You by Sixpence None The Richer
• Heartbreak Warfare by John Mayer
• Every Breath You Take by The Police
• Flowers In The Window by Travis

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO EXPRESS THROUGH A LOVE SONG?

Anupam: A love song is the simplest, yet it is so difficult to write. What’s new in a love song? I would love to express certain emotions which can’t be expressed aptly because they are so intimate. There are layers, there are complications, for which I take refuge in love songs.

Arindam Chatterjee
What’s your message for Anupam on V-Day? Tell t2@abp.in