Bangla rock icon and Fossils’ frontman Rupam Islam took the wraps off Saptapadir Gaan — a unique ‘foodsical’ that he has written, composed, sung and starred in — for the Bengali cuisine restaurant Saptapadi, on August 8.
A tribute to Bengal’s two timeless passions — food and music — the five-minute musical film was unveiled to an audience of food lovers, artistes and the singer’s fans at Saptapadi’s Ballygunge outlet.
In a confluence of Bengal’s culinary richness and Rupam’s distinctive musical artistry, Saptapadir Gaan takes viewers on an immersive journey where every flavour tells a story and every note stirs a memory. The lyrics make the short film a celebration of culture — not merely as nostalgia, but as a living, breathing experience shared over meals and melodies.
Known for his hard-hitting, progressive Bengali rock anthems, Rupam steps into a new creative territory — centering a narrative around food, while bringing his artistic acumen to the table. From the pungent mustard-laced allure of Shorshe Bhetki and Bhapa Ilish to the luxurious depths of Katla Kalia and Kochi Pathar Jhol, from the fragrance of Polao and Machher Mathar Daal to the crispy charm of Posto Piyazi and the silken sweetness of Mishti Doi — every dish comes alive with Rupam’s evocative lyrics and commanding vocals.
Musically, the composition is a rich tapestry — blending Rupam’s signature melodious rock with the textures of Bengal’s classical heritage. The tabla, the harmonium, and the traditional rhythms intertwine seamlessly with modern rock, capturing Bengal’s timeless cultural essence through an unmistakably Rupam lens, creating a soundscape that is as evocative as the cuisine itself. Every bite becomes a note, every flavour a lyrical verse — transforming food into poetry, and music into a feast.
In Saptapadir Gaan, Rupam plays more than just the singer — he is also the narrator, guiding the viewer through a visual feast of the restaurant’s evocative spaces. The vivid hues of the dishes, the cadence of the lyrics, and the pulse of the rhythm together convey the aroma, memory, and emotion of a culture deeply tied to its food.
A bit of an offbeat genre in brand storytelling, Saptapadir Gaan is a fusion of cuisine and music that nourishes both the heart and the palate.
Rupam Islam, speaking about his collaboration on Saptapadir Gaan and working on something as unique as a foodsical, said: “How do I even begin to explain what was going on in my head? Actually — was it even my head, or was it my tongue leading the way? The journey from thought to expression was happening so fast. When I sat down to write the lyrics, I was given cues about different tastes and flavours the restaurant is known for. Their tagline, Ei pawd jodi na shesh hoy, inspired by the iconic Uttam-Suchitra song Ei path jodi na shesh hoy really set the tone. There was a whole medley of dishes, many of them the restaurant’s own culinary innovations. I got to witness their creativity firsthand — like Murgir Cheerey Chapta (a blend of chicken and flattened rice), Bhetki-Chingrir Popcorn (prawn and bhetki bites), and Mangsher Shipai. When these dishes were presented in front of me, the first reaction was, naturally, emotional — you want to taste them immediately. And if the names are this interesting, the flavours surely follow suit. I’m glad I got the chance to actually try them. The foodsical film is directed by Abhrajit Sen, a young and very promising talent. He’s brought a unique vision to this concept. To have the chance to create something so experimental and fun was a wonderful opportunity — and now it’s up to the audience to experience our work for themselves.”
Ranjan Biswas, the co-founder of Saptapadi restaurant, said: “We always believed food tells a story. With Rupamda, that story found its music. Saptapadir Gaan is not an ad — it’s a celebration of who we are as Bengalis.”
