‘Amar Kolkata’ presented by Asha Audio, a single inspired by the city sung by Vivek Kumar

Ambar Bhattacharya, Takmaa, Kolkata, 19th Nov 2021 : ‘Amar Kolkata’, a Bengali Single, released by Asha Audio Company, Kolkata. Asha Audio Company is immensely proud to release ‘Amar Kolkata’, a Bengali single by Vivek Kumar.

The song is unique in many ways: it has been set to music and sung by a civil servant and not a professional musician. The singer sings in Bengali although his mother tongue is Hindi (he learnt Bangla only after joining the Indian Administrative Service and arriving in West Bengal in 1991).

The singer says “The song is an ode to the humane character and unique qualities of the city of Kolkata, which constantly renews itsef without giving up on its famed compassion, inclusiveness and tolerance.”

Based on Vivek Kumar’s visual imagery and thoughts, the lyrics have been written by Smt. Subrata Ghosh Roy in an unique way, different from the usual format of Bangla adhunik gaan. The meter and rhythm inherent in the lyrics, not only reflect the lyricist’s talent but also give the song an earthy tempo.

Kunal Chakraborty has made the musical arrangements based on Vivek’s music score and direction. The backing vocals/ chorus are also done by Vivek.

“This is a tribute straight from my heart to a city that I have come to love. Although it is difficult to convey this city’s indescribable charm in the space of a three-minute song, I am confident this song has enough of Kolkata in it to touch every listener deeply. Kolkata, being the capital and the face of Bengal, this song, in a way, is also a tribute to West Bengal”, says Vivek.

Vivek Kumar is currently posted as Additional Chief Secretary in Government of West Bengal. He is a recipient of the State’s ‘Rajya Sangit Samman’.