Published: 10:03 PM, 22 March 2025 Last Update: 10:33 AM, 25 March 2025
The rhythm of poetry is the heartbeat of human expression: Saimul Islam Poluck
Shwapnil Shojib
The Man Who Gives Poetry a Voice – Samiul Islam Poluck on World Poetry Day Exclusive Interview with The Asian Age Bangladesh, March 21, 2025. He doesn’t just recite poetry—he breathes life into it. Samiul Islam Poluck, one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated elocutionists, has captivated audiences across borders with his mesmerizing voice and soul-stirring performances. From performing alongside legends like Joe Winter and Gulzar to receiving UNESCO recognition for his groundbreaking work Bidrohi – The Spirit of Rebel, Poluck stands at the intersection of tradition and modernity, keeping poetry alive in an age of fleeting attention spans. His illustrious career boasts remarkable milestones. He was invited by the President House of Bangladesh and delivered a solo recital at Bangabhaban, a rare honor bestowed upon distinguished artists. His solo recitation show at the iconic Rabindra Sadan stage in Kolkata, organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs of West Bengal, was a landmark moment, showcasing his exceptional talent and garnering widespread acclaim. He has also been certified by the U.S. Embassy Dhaka and the Indian High Commission for his outstanding contributions to poetry and performance. Adding to his legacy, Poluck’s solo recitation albums have been released under prestigious music labels like Saregama and Hindusthan Records, solidifying his place among the greatest voices in the world of spoken poetry. On this World Poetry Day, The Asian Age sits down with the artist himself for an unfiltered conversation about his journey, the power of the spoken word, and whether poetry can still change the world. The Interview was taken by The Asian Age Special Correspondent Shwapnil Shojib.
Q: Poluck, your latest project, Jhulon, is a stunning theatrical tribute to World Poetry Day. Can you share the concept behind it—what inspired you, how you staged it, and who was involved?
Poluck: Jhulon is a journey of longing—of reaching for something unattainable yet feeling its presence in the soul. The poem itself, from Tagore’s Sonartori, speaks of ephemeral desires. For the staging, I envisioned a setting that felt like a dream—fluid, fleeting, yet deeply immersive. But none of this would have been possible without the vision of one man—Shwapnil Shojib, one of the most celebrated singers of our time, who conceptualized and presented this project so beautifully.
Q: Poluck, millions today consume content in bite-sized clips and viral trends. Yet, here you are, making poetry as electrifying as a rock concert. How do you make poetry feel relevant in 2025?
Poluck: Poetry has never been outdated; it’s just waiting for the right voice to awaken it. The rhythm of poetry is the heartbeat of human expression, and my job is to remind people of that. In a world of fast content, I slow people down. When I recite, I don’t just speak—I invite my audience into the world of the poet, where emotions are raw, words are sacred, and every pause speaks as loudly as the verses themselves. That’s how poetry remains relevant—by making people feel it.
Q: Your voice has been described as “hypnotic,” capable of making centuries-old poetry feel like a whispered secret to the soul. Do you think recitation is an art that only a few can master, or can anyone learn to move hearts the way you do?
Poluck: Recitation is an art and sometimes much more than that. It’s a surrender. It’s about channeling the poet’s soul through your own. Can anyone learn it? Yes. But can everyone feel it? That’s the real question. A voice can be trained, but the magic comes from within—the ability to let words consume you so that when you speak them, they’re not just heard, they’re lived.
Q: You’ve worked with artistic giants—Gulzar, Alka Yagnik, Runa Laila, Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, Indrani Sen. When you stand beside such icons, does it ever feel surreal, or do you feel like you were always meant to be among them?
Poluck: I feel humbled every time. These are artists whose voices have defined generations. To stand beside them is to stand beside history. But I also believe that art calls to those who honor it. I have dedicated my life to poetry, and poetry has, in return, placed me in the company of greatness.
Q: As a seasoned recitation artist, how many years have you dedicated to honing your craft, and who has had the most profound influence on your artistic development?
Poluck: I’ve been practicing this craft since my childhood, but the title feels almost irrelevant when art is something you’ve lived with, breathed, and embraced for as long as you can remember. First and foremost, I owe my deepest gratitude to my parents, my late father, Ashraful Islam, and my mother, Bilkis Islam. They gave me a childhood steeped in culture, etiquette, and discipline—values that shaped not only my artistry but also the compassion within me. One of the most popular artists in Bangladesh, my cousin Shwapnil Shojib, has been a pivotal pillar in my journey. I must also thank my extended family, notably two of India’s finest musicians, Sourendro Mullick and Soumyojit Das, for their unwavering support and invaluable guidance. Then, there are the towering figures whose work has left an indelible mark on me—Lata Mangeshkar, filmmakers like Guru Dutt, poets such as Rabindranath Tagore, William Butler Yeats, Charles Dickens, Rumi, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Gulzar, and Virginia Woolf. They have enriched my understanding of literature and the profound depth poetry can carry.
Q: Finally, if poetry is a fire, what keeps yours burning?
Poluck: The belief that somewhere, someone is waiting to hear a poem that will change their life. If my voice can be that vessel, then I will never stop reciting.
Q. Thanks for sharing your valuable time with us.
Poluck: The pleasure is all mine.
