IN 1996, Andhera – a Hindi film, was premiered at Anuradha cinema. The film had a young, handsome hero named Rajbir, alias B Rajbir Dhillon, a Punjabi brought up in Guwahati and educated in Cotton College and Gauhati University. At that time, he used to sing at college and university functions and on Bihu stages. At the same time, he played hockey for the State team. He dreamt of acting in Hindi films and one day, he moved on to Mumbai in search of his dreams. After years of struggle, he got the chance to appear in Andhera. In Mumbai, prior to the film, he was modelling for Gwalior Suitings and other reputed brands. Meanwhile, he directed and acted in a telefilm titled Climax. Rajbir has a fine, attractive voice and his first love appears to be music, as he has brought out an album with a difference, titled – Bombay Beats. In an interaction with him, Rajbir says ... “While living in Mumbai, my heart and soul always remained attached to the colourful people and the rich culture of Assam, and the whole of the North East... I have done things here and there, but my dreams remained unfulfilled till I conceived the tunes of Bombay Beats – which is a reality now.” The album is quite different from others. The album is a unique musical blending of rich flavours, with melody redefined. Along with melodious Assamese songs, Bombay Beats is a rare compilation of Bengali, Punjabi and Hindi songs, along with a mesmerizing English number, dedicated to Meghalaya. It is a first of its kind as the songs have been rendered by a single artiste. While releasing the album, noted filmmaker Manju Bora, a contemporary of Rajbir in Gauhati University, remarked – “A popular figure in the campus – Rajbir used to entertain us with his songs at the functions. He has versatility”. Above all, he has penned the lyrics, tuned and rendered them. Interestingly, the album is being released at the national level and being telecast on various TV channels – with a motive to spread the flavour and beauty of Assam.

Incidentally, a video format of Bombay Beats has been recently completed – produced and directed by Rajbir. The cast includes Rajbir, Aaimee Barua, Prastuti Parashar and Meenakshi Neog. The shooting has been partly done in Mumbai. Both the album and the VCD are of national level standard, and the quality is at par with Bollywood, with respect to photography, music and dances, synchronised in a most artistic way. Rajbir is also contemplating to make an Assamese feature film with his own story and concept.

But, for the present, Rajbir is performing at various stages with his Bombay Beats troupe and earning applause. The troupe is also planning to participate in the forthcoming Bihu functions, equipped with songs and dances, to present an entertaining performance. The troupe has a good number of talents. Mentionably, the songs of the album like Chakde (Punjabi), Bor Chenehor (Assamese), Chokher Suthi (Bangla) and Shuno Shuno, have already gained popularity among listeners.

Apurba Kumar Das