James Mourns Lifelong Friend Badal

The Bangladeshi rock icon James (Faruq Mahfuz Anam James) has spoken emotionally about the death of his long-time friend, producer and studio owner Faruk Kabir Badal, describing him as “a member of the family” rather than merely a colleague from the music industry.

Badal, the owner of the influential Sargam Studio, passed away on 2 May 2026. His body was later recovered from his apartment in Khilkhet, Dhaka, where he had been living alone. He was last seen by neighbours on 28 April, and was laid to rest at Banani Cemetery on 3 May. The news of his death left James deeply shaken, as he learned of the incident immediately after it came to light.

Speaking in a recent phone conversation with Prothom Alo, James reflected on their decades-long relationship, often pausing with emotion as he recalled shared memories of struggle, friendship, and trust. “I have lost someone from my family,” he said, struggling to contain his grief.

Their connection went far beyond music production. It was rooted in companionship built over years of shared meals, late-night conversations, and mutual support during the formative years of Bangladesh’s band music scene. For James, the relationship with Badal was never defined by commercial success, even though it produced landmark albums.

A Shared Musical Journey

Their professional collaboration began in the late 1980s at Sargam Studio, where James recorded his debut solo album Ananya in 1989, followed by Jail Theke Bolchhi in 1993. Both albums became commercially successful and played a crucial role in establishing James as a leading figure in Bangladeshi rock music.

However, James emphasised that charts and sales figures were never the essence of their bond. He described Badal as a “companion on the road,” someone who shared both the struggles and aspirations of an evolving music industry.

By the mid-1990s, changes in the music market led Badal to step away from mainstream production. He eventually moved abroad, living overseas for approximately 27 years before returning to Bangladesh around three years ago. During that long absence, he maintained little contact with the industry.

Chance Reunion After Years Apart

A remarkable reunion took place on 15 August 2024, when lyricist Bappi Khan encountered Badal by chance in Uttara, Dhaka. Initially, Bappi did not recognise him. Badal’s identity was revealed only when he said, “You don’t recognise me? I am Badal.” The emotional moment led to an embrace and renewed connection after decades of silence.

Bappi later shared a photograph of the meeting on social media with Badal’s permission. At Badal’s request, he refrained from sharing his contact details publicly.

James, who was travelling back from the United States at the time, saw the post while at Dubai airport and immediately contacted Bappi to obtain Badal’s number. Shortly afterwards, James and Badal spoke for more than ten minutes, laughing and reminiscing as though no time had passed.

Key Timeline of Events

A Loss Felt Across the Industry

James described Badal not only as a friend but as an integral figure in the evolution of Bangladeshi music production. “With him, an era feels like it has ended,” he said, adding that Badal’s contribution helped shape a new direction in the country’s music scene.

He concluded with a heartfelt farewell: “May my brother Badal rest in peace.”