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Surojit Chatterjee
Surojit Chatterjee
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Surojit Chatterjee (Bengali: সুরজিৎ চট্টোপাধ্যায়, the spelling reads Surajit Caţţōpādhyāy.) is an Indian Bengali singer-songwriter, music director, lyricist and the lead singer of Bengali band Bhoomi[1] and owner of his solo band Surojit O Bondhura. He has won the Radio Mirchi Music Award as the Best Male vocalist of the Year 2012 and 2013 for his album titled Folkira (Times Music). He has also directed music for the following Bengali movies such as Ichhe, Muktodhara, Handa and Bhonda.

Key Information

Early life

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Surojit Chatterjee was born in Rampurhat, started his schooling in Birbhum and after that he was admitted to Julien Day High School, Kolkata. He started playing the tabla at the age of seven and graduated from Allahabad University with a distinction for consecutive eight years. He has learnt to play guitar from Tuhin Chatterjee and after that went on to further his guitar expertise and took guidance and learnt techniques from guitarist Amyt Datta. His first band was Grassroot which he formed during his college days and that went on to win many awards in inter-college competitions.

Bhoomi

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Surojit Chatterjee formed the Bengali band Bhoomi along with his co–partner Soumitra Ray in the year 1999 which performed its first concert on 24 July 1999 at the Gyan Manch Auditorium, Kolkata. Bhoomi has managed to reach both rural and urban homes in Bengal, with the simplicity of their lyrics and rhythmic music.[citation needed] It has released 12 popular albums for the past 12 years.

Surojit O Bondhura

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Album Cover – Surojit O Bondhura – Release 2012
Abhyontoreen – Album Cover – Release 2013
Folkira – Album Cover – Release 2013

Surojit Chatterjee formed his first solo band Surojit O Bondhura[2][3] in the year 2012 with the leading musicians from Kolkata. He has won the Radio Mirchi best male vocalist of the Year Award in 2012[citation needed] for his first solo album Surojit O Bondhura and Radio Mirchi Best Album of the Year Award in 2013[citation needed] for its album Folkira. His second solo album, Abhyontoreen, was released subsequently.[4] This band has also released Folk Konnection, from Asha Audio and Amaar Poran Jaha Chay from Bhabna records in the year 2016.

Personal life

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He is married to Kamalinee Chatterjee who has also penned several songs for Surojit O Bondhura albums, as well as for Kon Roopnagare Konnya Tomar Bari and Abhyaontoreen. and has won the Upcoming Lyricist of the year 2012 for the film Muktodhara, for the song ALO.[citation needed] They have a daughter named Annweshaa Chatterjee.

Filmography

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Sl No. Movie name Director Music director Year
1 Kaali Amaar Maa Shantilal Soni Surojit Chatterjee 1994
2 Joy Maa Durga Shantilal Soni Surojit Chatterjee 1995
3 Handa Bhonda Subhankar Chattopadhyay Surojit Chatterjee 2010
4 Sesh Prahar Rajsekhar Bose Surojit Chatterjee 2010
5 Icche Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy Surojit Chatterjee 2011
6 Muktodhara Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy Surojit Chatterjee 2012
7 Holud Pakhir Dana Kanoj Das Surojit Chatterjee 2013
8 Gogoler Kirti Pompy Ghosh Mukherjee Surojit Chatterjee 12 September 2014
9 Pati Parameshwar Jayashree Bhattacharya Surojit Chatterjee Released
10 Primetime Ipsita Seal Surojit Chatterjee 2015
11 Buddhu Bhutum Nitish Roy Surojit Chatterjee Upcoming
12 Kusumitar Goppo Hrisikesh Mondal Surojit Chatterjee 2019
12 Take Care Jayashree Mukherjee Surojit Chatterjee Upcoming
13 Basanta Phire Ase Ritabrata Surojit Chatterjee Upcoming
14 Durga Bari Deep Surojit Chatterjee Upcoming

Discography (Surojit O Bondhura)

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Sl No. Album title Label Year
1 Surojit O Bondhura[5] Cozmik Harmony 2012
2 Abhyontoreen[6] – Surojit O Bondhura Cozmik Harmony 2013
3 Folkira – Surojit O Bondhura Times Music 2013
4 Folk Konnection[7] Asha Audio 2015
5 Aamar Poran Jaha Chay Bhabna Records 2016
6 Amader Barandaye Roddur Times Music 2016
7 Surojit and Mosaique 2016

Discography (Bhoomi)

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  • Jatra Shuru (2000)
  • Udaan (2001)
  • Isspecial (2002)
  • Paal Chhutechhe (2003)
  • Lokogeeti Local (2004)
  • Dekhtey Dekhtey (2004)
  • Bojhai Kora Ganer Gari (2005)
  • Gaan Bahan (2007) (includes the song written in English especially for the UN performance "For A Better Day")
  • Lokegeetir Deshe (2008)
  • Aamra Notun Jouboner Doot (2009) (Rabindrasangeet by Bhoomi)
  • Gaan Doriyae (2010) (Released 8 September)
  • Desh Judey (2011) (Hindustani folk songs)

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Surojit Chatterjee is an Indian Bengali , , , and , best known as the co-founder and former lead singer of the urban folk band Bhoomi, as well as the founder and leader of his solo band Surojit O Bondhura. Born and raised in the of (born May 7, 1966), Chatterjee was immersed in folk music traditions from an early age, beginning his training on the at four years old before later mastering instruments such as the guitar, , and . He co-founded Bhoomi in 1999 alongside Soumitra Ray, creating a signature blend of Bengali folk, rock, and contemporary sounds that propelled the band to widespread popularity through nine albums and hundreds of live performances across , , and beyond. In 2012, following his departure from Bhoomi, Chatterjee launched Surojit O Bondhura, which earned him the Music Award for Best Male Vocalist that same year and has since released multiple acclaimed albums featuring original compositions and folk-inspired lyrics. Parallel to his band work, Chatterjee has composed scores for the Bengali , contributing music to films including Kali Aamar Maa (1999), (2011), Hello Memsaheb (2011), (2023), and the recent Raktabeej 2 (2025). His versatile style, often collaborating with his wife, Kamalinee Chatterjee, continues to shape modern Bengali music by bridging traditional folk roots with innovative arrangements.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Surojit Chatterjee was born on May 7, 1966, in , a town in the of , . Hailing from a Bengali family rooted in the rural landscapes of , Chatterjee's early years were shaped by the cultural milieu of Birbhum, a region renowned for its rich folk traditions and artistic heritage. This environment provided him with an organic introduction to local music forms, fostering a deep connection to Bengal's vernacular sounds from a young age. He began his schooling in Birbhum, immersing himself in the simplicity of rural life, before relocating to around the age of 11 for further education at Julien Day High School. This move highlighted a significant transition from the settings of his birthplace to the bustling urban dynamics of the city, influencing his formative experiences. Chatterjee's initial fascination with music emerged early, as he started learning the at the age of four under Professor Chitta Bose, drawing inspiration from the folk rhythms prevalent in his surroundings.

Musical training and early influences

Surojit Chatterjee's formal education laid the foundation for his multifaceted artistic pursuits, blending academics with burgeoning musical interests. After completing his schooling at Julien Day High School in , he enrolled at Allahabad University, where he graduated with distinction over eight consecutive years. His studies emphasized subjects aligned with and , fostering a deep appreciation for creative expression that would later inform his songwriting and compositions. Chatterjee's instrumental training began in his youth, initially with the , which he started learning at the age of four, and later under Bhupal Bhattacharya during his university years. He later transitioned to the guitar, receiving guidance from mentor Tuhin Chatterjee before refining his technique under the tutelage of renowned guitarist Amyt Datta. These lessons honed his skills in both and , allowing him to explore diverse playing styles during his university years. During his time at Allahabad University, Chatterjee formed his first band, Grassroot, alongside fellow students, marking his initial foray into collaborative music-making. The group, which focused on Western rock influences, achieved success by winning several awards in inter-college competitions. His early creative endeavors were shaped by a blend of Bengali folk traditions—rooted in his childhood exposure to regional styles like in rural Birbhum—and Western rock elements, often incorporating self-taught techniques on the guitar to bridge these worlds.

Musical career

Bhoomi band

Surojit Chatterjee co-founded the Bengali band Bhoomi in 1999 alongside Soumitra Ray, with the aim of blending traditional folk elements with contemporary urban sounds to revitalize Bengali music. The band, based in , quickly gained traction through its innovative approach, drawing on influences from rural folk traditions like and Bhatiyali while incorporating rock instrumentation and modern lyrics. Their debut performance took place on July 23, 1999, at Gyan Manch auditorium in , marking the start of a prolific era that saw Bhoomi perform extensively across and beyond. Over the next 12 years, Bhoomi released 12 albums, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the Bengali music scene with a distinctive folk-rock fusion style that appealed to diverse listeners. Key releases included their debut album Jatra Shuru in 2000, which featured energetic tracks like "Pocha Kaka" and set the tone for their earthy, narrative-driven sound; Gaan Bahan in 2007, exploring themes of everyday life through melodic folk arrangements; and Desh Jurrey in 2011, which delved into Hindustani folk influences to broaden their sonic palette. This discography not only showcased the band's evolution but also helped bridge cultural gaps, making accessible and vibrant for urban youth while resonating with rural traditions. As the lead singer, primary songwriter, and , Surojit Chatterjee was central to Bhoomi's identity, infusing the music with poetic that captured the essence of Bengali life and emotions. His versatile performances, often accompanied by guitar and , drove the band's live energy and helped extend their reach to both rural and urban audiences across , fostering a renewed appreciation for folk-rooted music in everyday settings. Bhoomi's fusion style thus created a shared cultural space, influencing subsequent generations of musicians and listeners by democratizing folk traditions through relatable, high-energy compositions.

Surojit O Bondhura solo project

Following his departure from the band Bhoomi, Surojit Chatterjee formed Surojit O Bondhura in 2012 as a solo venture, assembling a group of prominent Kolkata-based musicians to explore his independent creative vision. As the band's owner, director, , and , Chatterjee leads a core ensemble that includes lead guitarist and Rajib Mishra Banerjee, percussionist and Rajarshi Roychowdhury, and Aniruddha Das. The band's debut album, Surojit O Bondhura (2012), marked Chatterjee's shift toward greater artistic autonomy, featuring nine tracks that introduced his signature blend of introspective lyrics and melodic arrangements. This was followed by Abhyontoreen (2013), a sophomore release under Cozmik Harmony that delved deeper into emotional and atmospheric soundscapes. Later that year, Folkira () highlighted a strong folk-inspired direction, reinterpreting traditional Bengali elements with modern fusion, and earned Chatterjee the Music Award for Best Male Vocalist. The project continued evolving with Folk Konnection (2015), which further emphasized connections to regional folk traditions through seven tracks infused with rhythmic and narrative depth. In 2016, Aamar Poran Jaha Chay (Bhavna Records) offered ten songs exploring personal longing and cultural roots, while the collaborative EP Amader Barandaye Roddur (with ) brought six vibrant, sunlit compositions that fused generations of Bengali musical heritage. Across these releases, Surojit O Bondhura consistently prioritized folk-inspired themes, revitalizing traditional motifs with contemporary instrumentation to create accessible yet authentic Bengali soundscapes.

Recent albums and live performances

In 2020, Surojit Chatterjee collaborated with and Subhojit on the album Handa And Bhonda, a seven-track release that fuses traditional Bengali folk elements with contemporary arrangements. The album highlights Chatterjee's multi-instrumental skills and lyrical depth, drawing from rural narratives while appealing to urban audiences through polished production. Following this, Chatterjee released Halud Pakhir Dana in 2022, featuring seven songs that revisit his folk-inspired compositions with subtle modern infusions, such as layered instrumentation and rhythmic variations. These post-2016 albums extend the trajectory of his solo project Surojit O Bondhura, maintaining a core fidelity to Bengali folk traditions while integrating electronic and fusion elements for broader accessibility. In 2025, he released the EP Diner Seshe along with singles such as Ami Akriti Adhom and Hridoy Uru Uru, continuing to explore personal and cultural themes through folk fusion. Chatterjee's live performances with Surojit O Bondhura have emphasized this stylistic evolution, blending acoustic folk authenticity with dynamic stage energy. In 2025, the band undertook a series of international concerts during , including multiple shows at the Valley Bengali Community's Durgotsav event in Canoga Park, California, with performances on September 27 and a second appearance later that year, where they performed from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM, captivating audiences with reimagined folk anthems. Additional domestic tours in and appearances in , such as at Montreal's Festival Accès Asie in 2024, have showcased their ability to adapt traditional sounds to global stages, fostering appreciation.

Film and media work

Music direction in films

Surojit Chatterjee made his debut as a in the Bengali film Kali Aamar Maa (1999), directed by Shantilal Soni, where he composed the soundtrack. He later transitioned to more prominent cinematic scoring with films like (2011), directed by Rohan Maitra, integrating emotional melodies with the film's narrative on unfulfilled desires. This marked a key step in leveraging his background in folk-inspired compositions for cinema. Over the course of his career, Chatterjee has directed music for more than a dozen Bengali films, contributing to a diverse range of genres from dramas to thrillers. Notable projects include Kali Aamar Maa (1999), an early devotional drama; Muktodhara (2012), a prison drama co-composed with Joy Sarkar; Pati Parameshwar (2014), a social comedy; Kusumitar Goppo (2019), a sports drama centered on women's football; Projapati (2022), a family entertainer; Raktabeej (2023), a horror-thriller; and its sequel Raktabeej 2 (2025). His work spans from early collaborations like Handa and Bhonda (2010) to recent ventures, often emphasizing thematic depth through original scores. Chatterjee frequently collaborates with his wife, Kamalinee Chatterjee (also known as Kamolini Chatterjee), who has penned lyrics for several of his film projects, including songs in Muktodhara (2012), Pati Parameshwar (2014), and Projapati (2022). This partnership, which earned her recognition as Upcoming of the Year in 2012 for Muktodhara, adds a personal layer to the soundtracks, blending poetic with musical . His approach to film scoring characteristically blends traditional Bengali folk elements—such as rustic rhythms and regional instrumentation—with modern cinematic narratives, creating immersive soundscapes that enhance emotional and cultural resonance without overpowering the visuals. This style, rooted in his folk-rock influences, has been evident across projects like Kusumitar Goppo, where folk motifs underscore themes of empowerment.

Notable soundtracks and compositions

Surojit Chatterjee's contributions to Bengali film soundtracks are marked by several iconic tracks that blend traditional folk elements with contemporary sensibilities. One of his most celebrated compositions is "Rangabati" from the 2019 film Gotro, a vibrant recreation of the popular Odia folk song originally composed by Prabhudatta . Sung by Chatterjee alongside , with lyrics adapted by Chatterjee himself, the track features lively rhythms and celebrates the charm of a vivacious village girl, evoking themes of love and rural vibrancy. The song's infectious energy propelled it to widespread popularity, garnering hundreds of millions of views and streams on platforms like . Another standout is "Alo" from the 2012 film Muktodhara, where Chatterjee serves as both composer and vocalist. This poignant piece, with lyrics by Kamolini Chatterjee, explores themes of hope emerging from darkness and confinement, mirroring the film's narrative on prison inmates seeking redemption. The melody employs subtle acoustic arrangements to convey emotional depth, highlighting Chatterjee's ability to infuse introspection into film scores. In the Raktabeej series, Chatterjee's work further demonstrates his range. For the 2023 film , he composed and sang "Gobindo Daant Majena," a folk-infused track with traditional Bengali instruments like the khol and alongside modern guitar and keyboard, addressing mythological and social undertones of resilience. The 2025 sequel Raktabeej 2 features "O Maa," a duet with that continues this blend, incorporating and for a haunting, narrative-driven atmosphere. Chatterjee's compositional style often fuses folk instruments—such as the , , and Bangla —with orchestral swells and electronic touches, creating layered soundscapes that enhance cinematic . His frequently delve into themes of , nature's , and social , as seen in the pastoral romance of "" and the redemptive motifs in "Alo." This approach has earned recognition, including a nomination for Best Male at the 2017 for "Bhromor" from , affirming his impact on Bengali film music. Among his recent projects, Chatterjee composed the soundtrack for Buddhu Bhutum (2019), including the whimsical "Dayankurakur Nakkunakur," which he also performed, capturing the film's fairy-tale essence through playful folk melodies and thematic nods to childhood innocence and fantasy.

Other contributions

Kobita Club and literary initiatives

In December 2011, Surojit Chatterjee founded Kobita Club as an online platform to foster appreciation for , beginning with a spontaneous post titled "Aar Bhallegena Tomay Chharra." An official page, named Surojit O Bondhura Kobita Club, was launched on January 3, 2012, followed by the club's on October 28, 2012, establishing it as a dedicated space for literary expression. The initiative aimed to create the largest online archive of Bengali writings while building a community for poetry lovers, emphasizing recitation, sharing, and preservation of literary works. Events under Kobita Club often blend poetry with musical elements, such as live recitations accompanied by acoustic performances during annual Grand Meets and offline gatherings at venues like Oxford Book Store in Kolkata, where poems are recited to musical backdrops inspired by Chatterjee's folk fusion style. Additional activities include weekly features like Soptaher Sera (selecting the week's best poem), theme-based writing contests, and radio broadcasts on Friends FM that integrate poetic readings with subtle musical interludes. Kobita Club actively promotes emerging poets by providing a participative platform for archiving original works, with over 2,193 registered writers contributing thousands of poems and pieces, and through initiatives like the for outstanding contributions. It supports young talents by publishing selected writings in annual anthologies in collaboration with Patra Bharati, including the 2023 collection Alpo Kathay Gappo, and hosting virtual series such as Bondhu Kotha on , where newcomers recite alongside established voices, often tying into Chatterjee's musical themes of emotion and . The club's growth has been substantial, attracting more than 25,000 followers on and 5,168 registered users on its website by 2022, with 88,348 total visitors reflecting its reach among the Bengali diaspora. By celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2022 and continuing with events like the Gala Grand Meet in June 2025, Kobita Club has significantly enriched Kolkata's cultural landscape, revitalizing interest in through hybrid online-offline events and fostering a that bridges traditional with contemporary expression.

Collaborations and public engagements

Surojit Chatterjee has frequently collaborated with lyricist Kamalinee Chatterjee, who has contributed words to several of his compositions, including the song "Alo" for the film Muktodhara and two tracks he performed in the biopic Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma Hai. These partnerships highlight a creative synergy where Chatterjee provides melodies and Kamalinee crafts lyrics to match, often describing the process as intuitive and collaborative. Beyond familial ties, Chatterjee has partnered with other Bengali artists, such as vocalist on the folk single "Age Ki Sundor Din Kataitam," a reimagining of Samrat Shah Abdul Karim's original that blends traditional instruments like the Bangla dhol and sree khol with modern arrangements. Released in 2023 under Times Music Bangla, the track emphasizes themes of and , with both artists noting the of their repeated joint efforts. He has also worked with international ensembles, including the French-Canadian group Mosaique since 2006, inviting them to for joint performances that bridge cultural musical traditions and demonstrate how audiences connect with Bengali folk beyond language barriers. Chatterjee's public engagements often extend to environmental and social causes, notably joining the Save Earth campaign in 2013 to combat the declining sparrow population due to and mobile towers. During the launch of his album Abhontorin, he pledged support for the initiative, referencing his song "Chorui Pakhir Para" as a reflection on environmental loss amid rapid development, urging collective awareness to preserve natural habitats. Through his presence on platforms like and , Chatterjee fosters fan interaction by sharing musical insights and encouraging community contributions, such as poetry prompts that build on his Kobita Club efforts. In discussions on music evolution, Chatterjee has highlighted the enduring influence of , crediting the composer's innovative rhythms and fusion styles for shaping his approach to Bengali folk arrangements. A 2025 feature explored this connection, with Chatterjee detailing how Burman's groundbreaking work continues to inspire contemporary artists in blending tradition with modernity. These engagements, including interviews and tributes, underscore his role in promoting music as a medium for cultural reflection and community building.

Personal life and legacy

Family and relationships

Surojit Chatterjee is married to Kamalinee Chatterjee, a prominent in the Bengali . Kamalinee gained recognition with the Upcoming Lyricist of the Year at the Mirchi Music Awards Bangla in 2012 for her work on the song "Aalo" from the film Muktodhara. Their marriage blends personal and professional spheres, as Kamalinee has contributed lyrics to several of Surojit's projects, including songs from albums like Kon Roopnagare Konnya Tomar Bari. The couple has a daughter, Annweshaa Chatterjee, who has followed in her parents' footsteps as a proficient in instruments such as , guitar, and piano. Annweshaa, a student, often collaborates with her father on stage performances, highlighting their close-knit family dynamic and shared passion for music. These joint endeavors provide mutual support, with Surojit encouraging Annweshaa's musical pursuits as a form of creative expression and relaxation. The Chatterjee family resides in . This intimate setting allows the family to nurture their bonds through everyday shared experiences, including musical sessions at home.

Awards and recognition

Surojit Chatterjee has received several accolades for his contributions to Bengali music, particularly in the early . He won the Music Award for Best Male Vocalist in 2012 and again in 2013, recognizing his vocal performances on the album Folkira. Additionally, Folkira earned him the Music Award for Best Album in 2013. In film music, Chatterjee received a nomination for the Best (Male) in 2017 for his rendition of "Bhromor" from the movie . No major awards have been documented for his work between 2020 and 2025 as of November 2025. Chatterjee's legacy extends beyond formal awards through his sustained concert success, averaging around 200 performances annually and milestones such as Surojit o Bondhura becoming the first Bengali folk-fusion band to perform at Canada's Festival Accès Asie in 2024.

References

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