‘Pop Guru’ remembered

Yesterday was the fifth death anniversary of rock star Mahbubul Haque Khan, better known as Azam Khan, who was considered as 'Pop Guru' and the main pioneer of the pop music in the country.  Different private television stations and cultural organizations chalked out programmes to mark the day.

Bangladesh Musical Band's Association organized a discussion at the Music and Dance Centre of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Azam's elder brother and renowned music director Alam Khan was present as chief guest at the programme, with poet Asad Chowdhury and Azam's friend singer Fakir Alamgir in attendance. Meanwhile, Boishakhi Television aired a special episode of its regular live music show Samay Katuk Gaane Gaane on Friday at 11:00pm.

Azam Khan's daughter Ima khan, along with singers Zaiul Hasan Piyal and Tashmoni, presented some of his popular songs at the show. Azam Khan, born on February 28, 1950, emerged as a singer in 1972, the year when he along with his peers founded Uchcharan, the first rock band of the country of which he was also the lead singer.
Uchcharan's first stage performance was held at Notre Dame College in 1972, the same year that also marked his first concert broadcast on BTV.

By mid-1970s, Azam Khan became a household name in the country for his unique style of musical performance as well as his songs, which closely identified with the cause of the nation still reeling from the pain, trauma and devastations of the war. For his craze among the youngsters, he is often called Pop Gugu, the teacher of pop music.

His style of presentation was unique but simple and unpretentious, and his songs dealt with the struggles of the ordinary people. Some of his songs include Ore Saleka Ore Maleka, Jibone Kichhu Pabona Re, Ami Jare Chaire, Ashi Ashi Bole Tumi, Obhimani, Rail Liner Bostite, Hei Allah Hei Allah Re, and Alal O Dulal.  Azam Khan was also a freedom fighter, who fought against the Pakistani occupation forces at Sector 2 in the war of independence. Khan died on June 5, 2011 at the Dhaka CMH Hospital at age 61, after suffering from oral cancer.