Some voices leave an impression that neither time nor changing generations can erase. Andrew Kishore was one such extraordinary artist. For decades, his voice became an inseparable part of Bangladeshi cinema, bringing to life emotions ranging from love and longing to heartbreak, joy and sorrow. Widely celebrated as the ‘Playback Emperor’ of Bangladesh, he remains one of the most cherished figures in the country’s musical history.
Born on 4 November 1955 in Rajshahi, Andrew Kishore’s full name was Andrew Kishore Kumar Baroi. His parents were Kshitish Chandra Baroi and Minu Baroi. His passion for music emerged at an early age. At just six, he began learning music under the guidance of renowned Rajshahi-based music teacher Ustad Abdul Aziz Bachchu. Those early lessons laid the foundation for a remarkable musical journey that would eventually make him a household name.
Kishore began performing as a child singer on Rajshahi Radio in 1962. Following Bangladesh’s Liberation War, he became an enlisted artist of the radio station, performing Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, modern songs, folk music and patriotic compositions. His ability to move comfortably between different musical traditions reflected the breadth of his talent.
Alongside his growing involvement in music, he pursued higher education in the Management Department at the University of Rajshahi. Although he completed his academic studies, music remained his greatest passion and ultimately became the defining pursuit of his life.
A remarkable journey in film playback singing
Andrew Kishore made his debut as a playback singer in 1977 with the film Mail Train. The song ‘Achinpurer Rajkumari Nei Je Tar Keu’, composed by celebrated music director Alam Khan, marked the beginning of his journey in the Bangladeshi film industry.
His breakthrough came in 1979 with the song ‘Ek Chor Jay Chole E Mon Churi Kore’ from director A J Mintu’s film Protigga. The song brought him widespread recognition and opened the door to numerous opportunities. Gradually, his voice became one of the most recognisable features of Bangladeshi cinema.
From 1977 to 2020, Kishore enjoyed a career spanning more than four decades. During this period, he lent his voice to thousands of songs across numerous films. His performances captured the emotional complexity of human life, expressing romantic affection, separation, personal struggles, happiness and grief with remarkable sensitivity.
Among his most memorable songs are ‘Hay Re Manush Rongin Fanush’, ‘Jiboner Golpo Achhe Baki Olpo’, ‘Amar Shara Deho Kheyo Go Mati’, ‘Dak Diyachhen Doyal Amare’, ‘Amar Buker Moddhikhane’, ‘Shobai To Bhalobasha Chay’, ‘Tumi Jekhane Ami Shekhane’ and ‘Bed er Meye Jyotsna Amay Kotha Diyechhe’.
Many of these songs remain popular decades after their release. They continue to evoke nostalgia among listeners who grew up watching Bangladeshi films during the height of his career.
One of the defining qualities of Kishore’s singing was his extraordinary ability to convey emotion. His deep, expressive voice gave each composition a distinctive character. He understood the emotional demands of a song and delivered its lyrics with a naturalness that made listeners feel the emotions of the characters on screen.
Although he remained behind the scenes as a playback singer, his voice became closely associated with the leading actors of Bangladeshi cinema. Audiences often felt that the actors were expressing their own emotions through his singing. That rare connection between voice and screen performance helped establish his lasting popularity.
His musical journey also extended beyond Bangladesh. Kishore performed for films in India and had the opportunity to sing compositions by legendary Indian music director R D Burman. His work across different film industries demonstrated the versatility of his voice and his ability to connect with audiences beyond national boundaries.
Eight National Film Awards
Andrew Kishore’s contribution to music received considerable recognition throughout his career. He won Bangladesh’s National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer eight times, making him one of the country’s most decorated playback singers.
His first National Film Award came in 1982 for the song ‘Hay Re Manush Rongin Fanush’ from the film Boro Bhalo Lok Chhilo. He subsequently received the honour for his performances in films including Surrender, Khotipuron, Padma Meghna Jamuna, Kobul, Aj Gaye Holud, Shajghar and Ki Jadu Korila.
These awards recognised his exceptional vocal ability, dedication and contribution to the development of Bangladeshi film music. Yet his significance cannot be measured by awards alone. His greatest achievement was the enduring affection of millions of listeners who continued to find comfort, happiness and nostalgia in his songs.
His ability to adapt his voice to different musical arrangements and cinematic situations made him an essential part of the country’s film music industry. Whether performing a romantic melody or a deeply emotional composition, he brought an unmistakable identity to every song.
Family life and final chapter
Away from the recording studio and the film industry, Kishore maintained a family life with his wife, Lipika Andrew, and their two children, Sanggya and Saptak. Despite the demands of a busy professional career, his family remained an important source of support and comfort.
The final years of his life, however, were marked by a difficult battle against non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. He received treatment in Singapore for an extended period before eventually returning to Bangladesh.
Despite medical efforts, his condition could not be overcome. Andrew Kishore died in Rajshahi on 6 July 2020, aged 64. His death brought an end to a remarkable life and left a profound void in Bangladesh’s music industry.
Following his death, fans, fellow musicians and admirers remembered him for his extraordinary contribution to film music. His passing was particularly painful for listeners who had grown up with his songs and associated them with some of the most memorable moments in their lives.
One line from his celebrated song ‘Jiboner Golpo Achhe Baki Olpo’ took on an especially poignant meaning after his death. The words seemed to echo the unfinished chapters of his own life. There were undoubtedly more songs he could have sung, more stories he could have expressed through music and more memories he could have created for his audience.
An enduring legacy in Bangladeshi music
Andrew Kishore’s contribution went far beyond entertaining audiences. His voice helped shape the musical identity of Bangladeshi cinema, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, when film songs played a significant role in popular culture.
His performances became closely associated with the emotional storytelling of mainstream cinema. He could convey the feelings of a character through subtle changes in vocal expression, making songs an essential part of the cinematic experience rather than merely musical interludes.
Even today, his compositions continue to reach younger generations. Older listeners revisit his songs to recall cherished memories, while younger audiences discover the richness of his voice through recordings and films. His music has remained relevant despite significant changes in the country’s musical landscape.
Andrew Kishore may no longer be physically present, but his artistic legacy remains very much alive. His songs continue to accompany people through moments of love, separation, happiness and sadness. Few artists manage to establish such a lasting emotional connection with their audience.
His life was a testament to dedication, musical excellence and the enduring power of a distinctive voice. As long as Bangladeshi film songs continue to be heard and appreciated, Andrew Kishore will remain an unforgettable presence in the country’s cultural heritage.
He was, and will always be, one of the brightest stars in the sky of Bangladeshi music.
A heartfelt tribute to the legendary singer, whose voice will continue to live on through generations.
