A strong sense of nationalism is good as long as it does not carry hatred or vengeance toward others. Revolutionary lyricist and singer Pratul Mukhopadhyay upheld this noble spirit of patriotism throughout his life.
A true son of Bengal, he always cherished his motherland. Though political divisions took away his birthplace, he never detached himself from the soil of Bengal.
Pratul Mukhopadhyay will no longer sing in Bengali, nor will Bengali songs be sung by him. He will no longer walk the affectionate paths of Bengal.
The esteemed lyricist, composer, and singer, Pratul Mukhopadhyay, who was in his eighties, was critically ill and undergoing treatment in the ICU of SSKM Hospital in Kolkata before his passing. Today, he has embarked on the eternal journey of time, leaving behind no demands—only a legacy that stands as a stairway to immortality.
Born on June 25, 1942, in Barisal, undivided Bengal, Pratul Mukhopadhyay and his family migrated to India during the Partition. From a young age, he composed tunes for his own lyrics. Among his many creations, the song "Ami Banglay Gaan Gai", released in March 2011, remains widely cherished. It is rare to find a Bengali who hasn’t hummed this song at least once.
Some of his popular albums include Pothore Pothore Nache Agun, Jete Hobe, Otho He, Swopner Feriwala, Tomake Dekhechilam, Swopnopure, Anek Notun Bondhu Hok, Hojoborolo, Dui Kanur Upakhyan, Andhar Name, and many more.
Even if he had written only "Ami Banglay Gaan Gai", he would still have been honored as a monumental figure in the history of Bengali music.
Many mistakenly label him as a revolutionary or an extreme nationalist. In reality, Pratul Mukhopadhyay was a people's artist who will continue to be cherished for generations. A deeper study of his songs will reveal that there was no harshness in him. Through his music, he cultivated a divine generosity, profound simplicity, and an enchanting mysticism that connected mother, land, and people. His songs touch the heart, ignite patriotism, and unleash an unspoken, ceaseless stream of love.
While Pratul Mukhopadhyay was a remarkable singer, his writing was even more emotional and profound. He referred to his pen as janmodukhi (born in sorrow) and forbade selling it. One may abandon everything in the world, but the eyes that perceive, the deep sorrow of the heart, the undying dreams, and the free-spirited pen that writes one’s innermost thoughts can never be sold. That’s why he wrote:
"Sell potatoes, sell chickpeas, sell your livestock,
But do not, my friend, sell the light of your eyes.
Sell bananas, sell coal, sell green peas,
Let the sorrow burn within, but do not sell your tears.
Sell ridge gourds for five annas, gold for a thousand rupees,
But my friend, do not sell your precious red dreams.
Sell your home if you wish, I will not object,
But your pen, born in sorrow, must never be sold."
With deep respect, I pay tribute to the revered artist Pratul Mukhopadhyay.
Author: Journalist
February 15, 2025