Bangladeshi rock band Chirkutt to perform in Kolkata for the first time on January 6 

Chirkutt, Bangladesh’s only globally renowned Bangla rock band, needs no introduction among Bangla rock music lovers. The five-member band, led by vocalist Sharmin Sultana Sumi,  got three nominations in Filmfare award East in Indian last year for their song Ahare Jibon from the film No Bed of Roses (Doob) and recently performed at South by South West (SXSW) festival in Austin, US. On January 6 next year, the band will be performing for the very first time in Kolkata. Indulge caught up with band member Sumi days before the gig. Excerpts:

You will be playing for the first time in Kolkata? How does it feel?

We have played in Delhi, Bangalore, and other parts of West Bengal. But honestly speaking, we have been waiting to perform in Kolkata, which is very close to our heart. We are overwhelmed and extremely excited.

Have you ever been to Kolakat before?

Yes, many times. We love everything about Kolkata, it’s very poetic and warm -- the lights and shades, landscape, music, food, bharer cha (tea in clay pots).

How discerning is Kolkata musically?

Kolkata is very aware of fusion and rock music.  

What should Kolkatans expect from Chirkutt’s concert here?

They should expect some pure, original, powerful Bangladeshi epic fusion music with a whole new sound and for the rest they have to kindly wait till January 6.   

Who are your favourite Bangla rock bands from Kolkata?

There are many great bands in Kolkata doing folk fusion and rock music for decades and ruling the scene. Mohiner Ghoraguli has always been our most favourite. Fossils, Chandrabindu, Cactus, Crosswinds are our favourites, too. We love the depth of their lyrics.

You have been representing Bangla rock music globally for last couple of years. How was your experience playing in a giant music festival like SXSW in Austin?

We are lucky enough to get this opportunity to represent Bangla rock music and Bangladesh globally, since 2012. Playing in SXSW has been one of the greatest achievements since it’s one of the biggest music festivals, where Cold play, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Lady Gaga, Dream Theatre and almost all biggest bands have played earlier.  

How has your latest album Udhao done globally? What was the thought behind the album? 

We did this album with Yonder Music last year and they don’t exist anymore globally, so, our album is nowhere right now. We are preparing for its relaunch. The music video of one song from Udhao named Katataar is already viral. Our environment -- the forests, birds, rivers – is getting destroyed fast. We shouldn’t allow this anymore, that’s the thought behind this album.

In these 16 years how much have you evolved as a band?

We have tried to be honest with our music and tried to create new music, focussing only on Bangla music. People call us “The Global Bangladeshi band” now. That’s the biggest achievement for us.

What are you inspired by?

Nature, the surroundings, human life and its journey, relationships, and our beloved Bangladesh inspire us.

Are you composing for any upcoming movies?

We are composing for Mahmud Didar’s Beauty Circus and Dhrubo Hasan’s Dahokaal.