Arnob’s ‘Bhallagena’ album pays tribute to late lyricist Rajib Ashraf

Celebrated musician Arnob has released his long-awaited album "Bhallagena", a heartfelt tribute to late lyricist and poet Rajib Ashraf, whose words inspired some of Arnob's most memorable work. The title track originates from a poem Rajib sent to singer Sunidhi Nayak while he was hospitalised with lung complications, asking her and Arnob to turn it into a song.

The poem later appeared in Rajib's 2020 poetry collection "Dhorechhi Rohosshobrito Mohakaal," whose cover was designed by Arnob himself. Their friendship produced several modern Bengali classics, including "Hok Kolorob".

Rajib passed away in September 2023, but not before hearing Arnob's composition for "Bhallagena". According to Sunidhi, "He heard the tune and was overjoyed." The song was released posthumously, and Arnob has since dedicated the entire album to Rajib's memory.

At a launch event held Thursday (October 30) evening at a café in Banani, Dhaka, the "Bhallagena" music video was screened, featuring both Arnob and Sunidhi in a story of love and longing. "We shot the video on Dhaka's streets at dawn," Arnob shared at the event.

The eight-track album includes songs adapted from contemporary poets. Among them, "Joker" — based on a poem by Kolkata poet Srijato — carries a slow, melancholic tone, capturing life's chaos and fragility. Another track, "Dushtu Chele" — from Jahid Hayder's poetry — resonated strongly with the audience. After hearing it, Jahid remarked, "The melody has breathed life into the poem — it feels even more alive as a song."

The first single "Dushtu Chele" was officially released on Thursday, marking the beginning of a project that blends poetry and song with Arnob's signature sensitivity — keeping Rajib Ashraf's creative spirit alive in melody.