In Memoriam Pankaj Kumar Mallick

Pankaj Kumar Mallick
Composer, Artist, and Music Creator
(10 May 1905 – 19 February 1978)

Pankaj Kumar Mallick remains an unparalleled name in the world of Bengali and Hindi music. He was a multifaceted talent—a singer, composer, music director, and actor. His pioneering contributions to the advent of playback singing in early Indian cinema and to popularising Rabindra Sangeet have been etched in history in golden letters.

Birth and Education

Born on 10 May 1905 in Kolkata, Pankaj Kumar Mallick grew up in a culturally rich household, the son of Manimohan Mallick and Manomohini Devi. His father’s love for music inspired him from an early age.

He received formal training in Indian classical music under the esteemed guru Durgadas Bandyopadhyay. Later, he completed his higher education at Scottish Church College.

Leading Role in Rabindra Sangeet

A pivotal chapter in Mallick’s life began with his association with Dinendranath Thakur, which brought him into close proximity with Rabindranath Tagore. This association deepened his devotion to Rabindra Sangeet.

He quickly established himself as one of its foremost exponents. Notably, he composed a melody for Tagore’s poem “Diner Sheshe Ghumer Deshe” from the collection Kheya, setting a unique precedent.

In September 1932, his first Rabindra Sangeet recording was released:
“Proloyanachan Nachle Jokhon, O Tomar Ashon Shunyo Aji.”

Recordings and Radio Career

At just eighteen, in 1926, he recorded the song “Nemeche Aaj Prothom Badal.”

In 1927, he joined the Indian Broadcasting Corporation in Kolkata, later known as Akashvani Kolkata, where he served for nearly five decades as a singer and music director. His rendition of Mahishasurmardini remains inseparably linked with the devotional fervour of Mahalaya mornings in Bengal.

Contributions to Cinema

From 1931, Mallick worked continuously for 38 years as a composer and singer across Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, and Tamil cinema. He was associated with India’s oldest film studio, New Theatres, for nearly 25 years.

He played a pioneering role in introducing playback singing alongside Raichand Boral and Nitin Bose. His collaborations spanned legendary artists such as:

As an actor, he appeared alongside stalwarts such as Pramathesh Barua and Kanan Devi.

Recognition and Legacy

In 2006, to mark his centenary, the Indian Postal Department issued a commemorative stamp in his honour.

Pankaj Kumar Mallick passed away on 19 February 1978. Yet, his voice, compositions, and musical vision remain an indelible chapter in the history of Bengali and Indian music.

Heritage

Mallick was not merely an artist—he was a bridge connecting Indian classical music, Rabindra Sangeet, and film music. His unique blend of devotion, emotion, and classical elegance continues to resonate with music lovers today.

We remember him with profound respect.