The voice belongs to Anup Barua.

Noted composer of West Bengal, Amit Bandyopadhyay was in charge of music direction for Jago Kholo... and the album was recorded in Audio Centre, Kolkata. While some argue that "getting the work done" in our neighbouring country is unpatriotic, Anup says, "Just because an artiste is not willing to compromise with the quality of the production, doesn't give anyone the right to unjustly label him/her.

"Our music industry's unhealthy obsession with 'shortcuts' is promoting rampant and mostly inappropriate use of keyboards and synthesisers. This has left the traditional instrumentalists high and dry. Can you find a sarangi player in Bangladesh?

"Our government doesn't offer substantial patronage to these musicians either. Where as, in our neighbouring country, musicians treading the less lucrative path of classical music are encouraged, admired and sponsored by the government and multinational companies."

Anup started his training in classical music under Ustad Nirad Baran Barua in Chittagong. He later went to Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in Delhi and Mumbai on scholarship and received the prestigious 'Sangeet Visharad' degree. Anup is currently training in Kirana Gharana (one of the major traditions in Hindustani Khayal) under Ustad Mashqur Ali Khan.

The singer has also taken up teaching as a profession. Anup has been teaching classical music at Chhayanat since 1998. According to Anup, he is attached to the institution because it imbibes a strong sense of our culture and heritage among its students. He is also a trainer at Parampara -- conducted by Bengal Foundation.

Anup has worked as one of the trainers in last year's much hyped talent hunt Closeup 1. About the experience, however, the singer says, "I was disappointed with the outcome. I felt, we (judges in the preliminary rounds and trainers) were emotionally blackmailed and misled by the organisers into believing we were contributing to something beneficial for our people, our country. Yes to some extent the show has provided a platform for aspiring singers in the country but more so than that, it became a prime medium of mega-exposure for a certain brand."

Anup adds, "To be considered an 'idol', an artiste should have certain standards, skills, education and commitment to his art, besides God-gifted talent. Most of the contestants with potentials were eliminated before the final rounds started. I was infuriated. It ended up becoming a charade, and not an actual talent hunt, which it claimed to be.

"Instead of proclaiming some impressionable aspirant who obviously has miles to go to become an adept singer, as a national idol, the organisers should have taken initiative to provide these youngsters with music lessons at reputable institutions at home or abroad. That would have been the right thing to do and would have made a significant positive impact."

Anup is currently working on his next project -- an album of adhunik (contemporary) songs composed by him. Hopefully the committed artiste's endeavours will be appreciated.