Sweet memories of bygone days : Debojit Saha

Voice of India Debojit Saha recalls the days when he had to prove himself on the national stage
I must admit that I have been a wee bit selfish of late in speaking only about myself. But that is because of the simple fact that I am very engrossed in the musical reality show Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar and have hardly had any time for other work. Except, of course, shooting for a second musical reality show for Zee Bangla.

But believe me, I am having a sense of déjà vu, with the show Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar moving towards its final stages. Only three episodes remain — the first on Thursday, then on July 3 and the mega final on July 12 — and six of us remain in the fray. The competition has been real tough till now but I believe that the measure of a true human being is living up to challenges. We know that we are the best ones out there and we will do our best to win the title.

It’s been long since I have had any time to relax. Now as I sit down to write, my mind is deviating towards those days two years ago when I was singing — and fighting — for the crown of the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa music contest.

I was a newcomer at the national stage at that time and I had to prove my worth the hard way. But of the things I remember, what I hold very dear to my heart is the love and support I got from my fans and wellwishers. Those were tumultuous days for me and I was swept away by the wave of support from the people of the state and the Northeast.

I remember people congratulating me for bridging the so-called barrier between the Brahmaputra and Barak Valley districts and bringing the people of the two sides together. Though I never believed that there existed a barrier at all, but it is true that music can really unite people.

Being totally immersed in rehearsals and shooting for the show, I hardly have had any time to look beyond music in the past few weeks. However, I am leaving no stone unturned to ensure that your love and affection is not wasted. I am trying hard to live up to your expectations and triumph. Source: telegraph india

Zubeen on Gore bandwagon

- Singer to hold concert in Mumbai to raise awareness on global warming
DAULAT RAHMAN
Zubeen Garg: Global cause

Guwahati, June 3: Zubeen Garg is no stranger to causes. He is brand ambassador for a cancer institute and trotted from one place to another to create awareness on rhino poaching. But with “We Campaign”, he has found a global cause.

Assam’s voice in Bollywood, Zubeen has joined a movement of concerned citizens founded by Nobel peace prize winner and former US vice-president Al Gore to create awareness on global warming, considered one of the biggest challenges to mankind at present. And as part of his own initiative, Zubeen is organising a concert in Mumbai.

The singer told The Telegraph today that he was in touch with prominent artistes, including Lata Mangeshkar, to participate in the concert. He said he was confident of winning the support and help of all prominent Bollywood artistes in organising the concert.

“I am also penning a song on global warming, climate change and the future of humanity,” he said.
“Global warming is an urgent and serious issue and no one can escape from the problem. It will affect every one of us, rich or poor, irrespective of caste and creed. A country like India will be greatly affected by the phenomenon. I am studying a lot about the problem and updating myself about the latest happenings across the globe. I will personally approach all artistes in Bollywood to ensure their participation in the concert. Global warming is still a solvable problem if we join hands and do something creative to sensitise the people,” Zubeen said.

About his joining the “We Campaign”, the singer said he was ready to extend all possible help to make the global campaign successful. He will also perform abroad to create awareness on the issue.
In the past, singers of the state have used music as a tool to spread awareness and different messages. During the language disturbance in Assam in the sixties, Bhupen Hazarika and Dilip Sarma travelled to communally sensitive spots singing what they called Haradhon rongmonor geet to ease tension between the Assamese and Bengalis.

In the mid-seventies, another singer, Jayanta Hazarika, led a group of singers to form the Sur Bahini, which travelled the length and breadth of the state and performed at roadsides to raise funds for the flood-hit.
However, Zubeen will be the first to use his trade for a global issue and in such a big way. He has sung 7,000 songs in various languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Oriya, Marathi and Nepali and has become a celebrity in Bollywood with his hit numbers in movies like Fiza, Kante, Mudda, Brides Wanted, Gangster, Pyaar ke Side Effects, The Train, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and others.

Shuttling between his home state and Mumbai, his workplace, Zubeen has been involved in lot of charity work of late.

“As an artiste, our social obligations go beyond just entertaining people. I am trying to do my bit through music which is the most easily understood language in the world,” he added. Source: Assam Tribune