Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 21st December 2025, 11:07 AM
Sometimes, a single song can transform everything. For Asif Akbar, it was “O Priya Tumi Kothay” that catapulted him to the pinnacle of popularity. This coming 30th January, the iconic track will celebrate its 25th anniversary, marking a remarkable milestone in the history of Bangla music. More than two decades later, the song remains an unparalleled chapter in the nation’s musical legacy.
Released on 30th January 2001 under the Soundtek banner, the album “O Priya Tumi Kothay” comprised 12 tracks. Upon its release, the songs spread rapidly, from local neighbourhoods to bustling city streets. At the time, Asif was a newcomer, yet this single album made him a household name. His voice soon became a symbol of youthful passion, longing, and love. The album set sales records and gained acclaim among the Bangladeshi diaspora worldwide.
Recently, Asif reminisced about the song on “Behind the Fame with RRK” on Masranga Television. He revealed that although the album released in January, the televised broadcast began only in July. Initially, the response was slow, but once the song reached television screens, its popularity soared. Reflecting on his journey, Asif said:
“Nothing in my career has come easily. Storms, floods, financial struggles, and family pressures—I’ve had to navigate them all. Yet, I find joy in enduring these challenges.”
| Date | Event / Milestone |
|---|---|
| 15 Oct 1997 | Arrival in Dhaka, primarily to pursue the sound business |
| Late 1990s | Regular demo recordings at Shawkat Ali Emon’s studio; meets music directors Ali Akram Shuvo and Ethun Babu |
| Breakthrough | Gains attention from Ethun Babu after singing a song for a film; Ethun assures, “This song will ensure you never look back.” |
| Pre-release obstacle | Album launch postponed by the label; Asif temporarily returns to Comilla |
| Grassroots promotion | Hand-delivered albums from Gulistan to Mirpur, encouraged radio plays and promotions across Rajshahi, Rangpur and other regions |
| Personal struggle | Son Rudra critically ill; receives moral and financial support from Ethun Babu |
Before the album’s release, a sudden decision by the label threatened to delay the launch, forcing Asif to return to Comilla. Undeterred, he resumed promotional efforts in Dhaka, personally distributing albums and persuading radio stations to play the songs. Over three months, the album achieved phenomenal success.
The journey was not without personal hardship. On one particularly difficult night, news arrived that his young son Rudra was critically ill. Speaking about that moment, Asif broke down during an interview, recalling Ethun Babu’s unwavering support and the crucial financial assistance that sustained his family.
“O Priya Tumi Kothay” truly marked a turning point in Asif Akbar’s career. Over the next two decades, he released more than two dozen solo albums. Although differences arose with Ethun Babu after the initial success, they reunited five years ago for the track “Chupchap Kosto Gulo” and plan regular new releases in the near future.
Today, 25 years on, “O Priya Tumi Kothay” is more than a song—it is a testament to Asif Akbar’s struggle, resilience, and enduring spirit. As the silver jubilee approaches, that story resonates afresh with listeners, reaffirming the timeless charm of a song that changed everything.
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