PROSENJIT

I am speechless, I’m shocked beyond words. Our pairing worked magic, right from Amar Shangi, and we delivered many superhits. Apart from my Bengali films, he had also scored the music for my Hindi films. Bappida was really caring... he has created a treasure trove of music. His contribution to Indian films and music is immense. Bappida’s songs were always on a par with international music. He had successfully made a mark in the West as well. Heartfelt condolences to Bappida’s family, friends and well-wishers. We’ll always remember you Bappida, and I can only express my emotions through those immortal words... chirodini tumi je amar.

RITUPARNA SENGUPTA

I’m heart-broken. I have lost my family member, a big brother. Meeting Bappida was like going back home. We would get together at his place in Bombay on various occasions. Last year I was at his place during Puja. He was such a family man. Everyone was around him. We have done many stage shows together, and he was a livewire on stage. He was a friend, philosopher and guide for me. He was a huge inspiration and institution, full of faith, courage and strength. He was so full of life, so warm, emotional and generous. As a composer, he was so versatile and would always explore all kinds of genres. He had a vast repertoire. He had scored the music of many of my superhit films. He really appreciated my work, my performances in Bangla cinema and would always encourage me to explore new things, to do more national work. His songs, which were so lively, would traverse various genres. He has also composed the music for an upcoming film of mine.

HARANATH CHAKRABORTY

I had met Bappida before the shoot of the film Gurudakshina. To write the script, I would accompany Anjanda (Chowdhury) to outdoor locations. We went to Santiniketan to write the script of Gurudakshina. Incidentally, he was there and we met him. Later we went to Bombay to record the superhit songs of the film. For the climax song, Bappida felt his voice should be there but Anjanda felt Kishore Kumar should sing the song. Kishore had already sung a few songs for the film. He was approached again and he said yes to the climax song. Our music sessions at Bappida’s house in Bombay were so memorable. He was so warm, generous, kind, and took good care of his guests. We had lovely home-cooked Bengali dinners at his place. Later when I directed Mangaldeep, he came on board to compose the songs. I remember I went to Bombay twice to record the songs. He also composed the music of two other films of mine. A few years ago I had met him and he had told me that he would like to collaborate with me on a new film again. ‘All our films and songs were superhits, let’s do a film again,’ he had said.