An artiste never retires: Syed Abdul Hadi

Today is the 87th birthday of legendary Bengali singer Syed Abdul Hadi. For more than six decades, he has gifted countless songs of love, patriotism, nature and humanity with his voice. 

This artiste spoke to Daily Samakal about his birthday celebration, his musical career, current songs and other topics.

Greetings to you from the Daily Samakal family...

Thank you for the wishes. I pray that I may be healthy with your love.

How are you planning to spend the special day?

Today will be like any other day. Every year, I am overwhelmed with the love of my listeners and fans. Maybe something like that will happen this time too. There can be no greater gift than people’s respect and love on my birthday. I am scheduled to participate in a programme on Channel i with lyricist Rafiquzzaman, artiste Md. Khurshid Alam and Abida Sultana. I hope I will have a joyful time at that event.

What kind of feelings does a birthday bring now?

The feeling of a birthday changes with the passage of time. In childhood, birthdays meant joy. However, in childhood, there were no events organised on birthdays. Now birthdays mean looking back at the journey of life. It seems that I have come this far with the love of so many people.

Recently, a documentary called ‘Galpo Ache Ekhane...’ was made about your life and music, which will be released today...

I liked it very much. Because it not only talks about my songs, but also about my various life experiences, struggles, artistic thoughts and times. The life of an artiste is not limited to the stage or studio. There are many memories, pursuits and sacrifices in it. If the new generation learns something from that story, that will be the biggest achievement.

Recently you have received a special award from Shilpakala Academy. How do you think this recognition?

Any honour is a joy for the artiste. I have received many awards in my long musical career, but being loved and respected by people is my greatest achievement. This debt of love can never be repaid.

Now you are not seen much in new songs or on stage. Why?

Some physical problems have developed after Corona pandemic. The voice does not respond as before. So it seems that what I have done, stay beautiful. I do not want to confuse the listener by lip syncing to old songs. But the artiste never retires. I quit singing professionally, but hum every day for myself. I cannot imagine my life without music.

What is your assessment of contemporary music?

Now many songs cannot be understood, which is whose song. Everyone seems to be moving towards the same tone and presentation. Many are focusing more on making music viral than making it art. I said earlier, now music is made for feeding. I will still say that. However, good work is being done. Those who practice art sincerely, their work will surely survive.

What are your expectations for the new generation of artiste?

Music should not be seen only as a means to become popular. Music should be loved, learned and practised. There are no shortcuts in art. It is not possible to become a great artiste without dedication, patience and hard work. I want the new generation to create their unique voice and identity.

How do you spend time?

I read books, watch television, listen to music of other artistes. I like to be close to nature. With age comes loneliness, but that time can also be enjoyed beautifully. Every age has its own pleasure. Without joy, people’s will to live also decreases.

Do you still feel any imperfections after such a long journey of life?

People do not want to do anything new unless there are imperfections. All artists have a dissatisfaction within them. That is what drives them forward. In my life there are achievements and failures. But I never calculated which one is more. I only see human love as the greatest achievement.

There has always been a strong streak of patriotism in your songs. What are your thoughts about today’s Bangladesh?

I always say, we should love the country. We should do something for the country from every place. This country belongs to all of us. If we are responsible, then the country will also move forward. There are few countries as beautiful as ours.

Do you have a birthday message for fans?

I am thankful to everyone. The love I have received over the years is what has kept me alive. Stay healthy everyone, stay well. Love Bengali music, love our culture. I will not be one day, if my music lives in people’s hearts, that will be my greatest joy as an artiste.

Do you have any plans to sing your own songs?

There was a desire to release another part of the album ‘The Legend Syed Abdul Hadi’. For various reasons, it did not happen anymore. I realised how difficult it is while publishing the first volume. I have given up playing music. I do not want to make any new plans with music.