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The crooner returns

Face to face with Asif Akbar

A Correspondent
The success of his debut album "O Priya Tumi Kothay” catapulted Asif Akbar to fame and paved the road for him to become one of the most popular singers in the country. In his decade long career, Akbar has recorded lOsolo albums along with numerous songs in many mixed albums.
To his the surprise of his fans, Akbar, who won a national film award for his playback, made the sudden announcement of steppingdown from his musical throne three years ago.
However, recently he announced his return to the music arena.
Akbar spoke to The Daily Star (TDS) on this new development and other issues. Excerpts from the interview:
TDS: You left the music scene quite suddenly...
Akbar: I was away from live performances and new audio projects for two years, while I also remained absent from playbacks for three years. I felt immense pressure from my fans and well-wishers who continuously demanded my return. Music directors, movie producers kept requesting me to come back and do more playbacks. It was their calls that prompted me to reconsider my decision. When I left before, I thought that it would give the new singers a better chance to grab a footing. But they failed to do so. So this time around, I am here to stay permanently. However, I will be careful in choosing stage shows.
TDS: How much time are you willing to give to making new
music?
Akbar: I've already started working on my new album, which is expected to come out next Eid-ul-Fitr. The new album will be titled "Eka Prem" and will feature music from noted composers and words by famous lyricists. I will give more time and dedication to uphold my image.
TDS: What kind of songs will be in your new album?
Akbar: I will try some different stuff in the album. The tunes should draw our generation and the next. The preference of the
listeners will be my priority. As this album took a long time in the making, I am being very choosy in making the songs. I want my fans to get something fresh, as it is they who made me the 'Asif Akbar' I am today.
TDS: You returned to music through a live TV performance last year. What was the reaction of your fans?
Akbar: After appearing on the TV screen following a long hiatus, the first thing my admirers wanted to know was when they would get a new album from me.
They demanded I return to regular music performances and expressed how much they missed me. It made me realise how expansive my fan base is throughout the country. I'm grateful to everyone.
TDS: What is your opinion on the current music scene?
Akbar: There is definitely tension persisting in the audio industry. The artistes have lost their demand. The audio companies are not showing interest when a talented singer wants to make an album. Before I left the scene, I used to receive Taka 23 lakh for a solo album. But Artin Rumey — at the peak of his popularity — is getting only Taka 10 lakh, which includes the music videos. How has the industry progressed then? The overall situation is poor as the audio companies are unwilling to make large investments. Some are also wrapping up their businesses. The entire audio market is experiencing a depres-
TDS: How much social responsibility rests on an artiste?
Akbar: Every citizen of the country should take some social responsibility. Or else how would the country take a stride forward? People should put their country ahead of themselves. But it is true that artistes have more responsibility, as they are known faces among the masses. Personally I'm indebted to my country and society. Music has given me everything and provided me with a strong foundation on which I can stand. I want to do my best for my country and its people.