Abu Zafar, ‘Ei Padma Ei Meghna’ lyricist, passes away at 82

Abu Zafar, celebrated lyricist, composer, and musician, passed away early Thursday at around 3am, while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital.

The news was confirmed to The Daily Star by singer Monir Khan.

Beyond his contributions to music, Abu Zafar served as a professor of Bengali at Chuadanga College and Kushtia Government College. Among his notable works are iconic songs such as "Tomra Bhulei Gecho Mallikadir Naam," "Nindar Kata Jodi Na Bidhilo Gaye," "Ami Helen Kingba Momtajke Dekhini," and "Tumi Raat Ami Raatjaga Pakhi."

Zafar was a regular lyricist and performer for radio and television stations in Dhaka and Rajshahi. His patriotic and modern songs resonated deeply, with "Ei Padma Ei Meghna" cementing his legacy as one of the greatest Bengali songs of all time. The song was ranked among the top 20 Bengali songs in a BBC survey.

He not only wrote the lyrics for his creations but also composed their melodies and performed many of them himself. His former wife, the renowned singer Farida Parveen, collaborated with him on several songs, including "Ei Padma Ei Meghna" and "Tomra Bhulei Gecho Mallikadir Naam." Parveen's hauntingly beautiful rendition of "Ei Padma Ei Meghna" continues to resonate with Bengali-speaking audiences worldwide.

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Beyond music, Zafar was an accomplished literary figure, authoring several books such as "Notun Ratri Purono Din" and "Bazare Durnam Tobu Tumi Sarboshva," collections of poetry, and "Biplobotter Soviet Kobita," a translation of Soviet poetry.

In his later years, Zafar retired from public life and lived in relative seclusion, supported by his children. He had been battling various age-related ailments and passed away at the age of 82.  He is survived by one daughter and three sons.

Following his passing, his body was taken to his birthplace in Kushtia. The funeral prayer was held today after the Asr prayer at the Kushtia Government College grounds. The music world mourns the loss of this gifted individual, who was not only a prominent musician but also a poet and beloved teacher.

Born in Gorher Bari Kanchanpur village, Chandpur Union, Kumarkhali, Kushtia, Abu Zafar leaves behind a legacy of timeless songs and literary contributions. His admirers will continue to celebrate his life through his enduring creations.