Three Songs, One Life: The Story of Abdul Jabbar's Timeless Voice

His voice, sung from the Swadhin Bangla Betarkendra, inspired the freedom fighters. Many young people were inspired by his songs and joined the Liberation War. The legendary artist Abdul Jabbar was the first to utter the phrase “Ore Neel Dariya”. That voice still resonates in our hearts today. However, the man with this melodious voice passed away on August 30, 2017.

Birth and career

Abdul Jabbar was born on November 7, 1938 in Kushtia. He started singing on Pakistan Betar in 1958. He sang in his first film in 1962, and since 1964, he has become a regular artist on Bangladesh Television.
In 1964, he sang in Zahir Raihan’s first color film “Sangam”. After that, the songs in these films “Etutuku Asha” (1968), “Pichdhala Path”, “Dheuer Por Dheu” made him popular. However, his most famous song, "Ore Nil Dariya", was used in the 1978 film "Sareng Bou".

He received the Ekushey Padak (1980) and the Swadhinata Padak (1996) for his outstanding contribution to music.

Stories of three popular songs

1. Ore Nil Dariya

This song, composed by Alam Khan and written by Mukul Chowdhury, is one of the most timeless songs in Bangladesh. The original music was composed in 1969, but was used in the 1978 film "Sareng Bou". In the song, Sareng is returning home - by train, sampan and methopoth. According to the scene, the sounds of trains, boats and water were used in the musical instruments. The song was recorded at Ipsa Studio in Kakrail, where 22 musicians played together.

2. Salam Salam Hajar Salam

This song, written by Fazl-e-Khodar during the 1969 mass uprising, was composed by Abdul Jabbar himself. The song was first performed on March 7, 1971, after Bangabandhu's historic speech. It was broadcast from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra during the Liberation War and became the soul song of the freedom-loving people. Bangabandhu himself praised the song and called Abdul Jabbar 'son'.

3. Tumi Ki Dekesh Kavu Jibon Parajay

This is a song from the film "Etutuku Asha" written by Mohammad Moniruzzaman and composed by Satya Saha. It was one of Abdul Jabbar's favorite songs. He said that people could not hold back their tears while singing the song on stage. Even the legendary Indian artist Hemant Mukherjee was impressed by the song and said - "You are the Jabbar of Bangladesh, your voice is unique."

Contribution to the Liberation War

Songs like "Joy Banglar Joy", "Salam Salam Hajar Salam", "Mujib Baiya Jao Re" in the voice of Abdul Jabbar inspired the freedom fighters. He went from camp to camp and raised the morale of the freedom-loving soldiers.
He collected about 12 lakh rupees by singing mass songs in various parts of India, which he donated in full to the fund of the independent Bangladesh government. During the Liberation War, he worked with Hemant Mukherjee to shape public opinion in favor of Bangladesh's independence on Indian soil.

The only solo album of his life

His only album, "Kothaye Amar Neel Dariya", was released in 2017. He was very happy about it. The album talked about country, soil, mother, society and religion. Initially, the name was decided to be "Ma Amar Masjid Amar", but in the end, the album was titled after his favorite song "Neel Dariya".

The last days of his life

He was quite secluded in Dhaka during the last days of his life. Pride was also strong. Illness and financial difficulties caused him great pain. Even though he received government grants, he had to struggle to meet the medical expenses.
In an interview at the hospital, he said—
“When I am put on life support, everyone will come to see me, and when I die, they will take me to the Shaheed Minar. I don’t need any of this. I want to live for a few more days.”

But that wish was not fulfilled. He breathed his last on the morning of August 30, 2017, at BSMMU Hospital. The next day, in the midst of heavy rain, countless people bid him farewell at the Central Shaheed Minar. The combination of rain and tears made for a tear-drenched farewell ceremony that day.

Last words

Abdul Jabbar is no more, but songs like “Ore Neel Dariya”, “Salam Salam Hajar Salam”, and “Tumi Ki Dekesh Kavu Jibon Parajay” will remain immortal in his voice. He was not just an artist, he was a name of inspiration, an inspiration for the Liberation War, and a reflection of the emotions of Bengal.