Remembering Guru

Azam Khan -- known better to his fans as “Guru” -- is arguably the foremost pioneer in Bangladeshi pop music. In a career spanning four decades, he has left a mark in the hearts of countless aspiring musicians. On his fifth death anniversary (June 5), here’s an account of front-man of the rock band Dreek, Saifuzzaman, recalling the iconic musician's influence on him and his band:

 “Although Azam Khan is fondly called 'Pop Samrat', we don't consider him just that. His music was more rock, but since that genre was not that familiar among Bengalis at the time, and his music became vastly popular, he was given that tag. His lyrics, compositions and the power of his music were certainly rock tinged, and we, the rock musicians of today consider ourselves his musical descendants.

“The first songs of Azam Khan and Uchcharon (his band) we heard were on cassette tapes, when we were very young. As days went by, we collected and listened to more, and later on discovered his music in greater depth as we matured as musicians.

“If I compare their music to that of the musicians of today, they may not have had such sophisticated instruments or been as technically diverse, but they more than made up for it with their passion, energy and the sheer force they created with their songs. Even Khan's singing style was unique, and his songs would very easily touch peoples' hearts.

“We feel lucky that we got to watch him live at various concerts during the '90s and later. I particularly remember one show where Ayub Bachchu and Azam Khan played together; that was magical. The best aspect of Azam Khan, in my eyes, was his simplicity. For a musician of his stature, he had no ego or 'superstar attitude'. He was a great example of what could happen when the proverbial 'Bangla'r damal chhele' became a rock star. He and his band created an identity for Bangla rock music; and if it weren't for him, I don't think Bangla rock music would be where it is today.

“One other experience that Dreek has been blessed with is being filmed as members of the band Uchcharon -- for a television commercial. I myself portrayed Azam Khan; I watched his videos to emulate his movements and gestures. It was a great honour to step -- however fictitiously -- into the pioneering band's shoes.”