“I had hoped to win the National Film Award someday”

Robiul Islam Jibon embarked on his career as a lyricist in 2007, collaborating with the renowned singer Asif Akbar on two songs. These tracks, titled 'Bharatiya Chai' and 'Bhalobasi Bole,' swiftly gained immense popularity, becoming massive hits. Since then, Jibon has consistently delivered a plethora of successful and critically acclaimed songs, garnering numerous accolades and widespread acclaim. His most recent milestone includes winning the prestigious National Film Award for his composition 'Dhire Dhire,' featured in the 2022 film 'Poran.' In an exclusive interview with Mahamudul Islam Sondhan from The Daily Messenger, Jibon shares insights into his recent ventures and professional experiences. Here are some excerpts from the interview.

Messenger: You have been awarded the National Film Award this year for Best Lyricist for the song 'Dhire Dhire' in the movie 'Poran.' How does it feel?
Jibon: This is one of the most exhilarating moments of my musical journey. It's truly unique, extraordinary, and incomparable. Words fail to describe the immense joy I'm experiencing. Given my long-standing involvement in songwriting and the recognition I've received through various awards, I had hoped to win the National Film Award someday. Thankfully, my wish has been granted, and I believe it's the pinnacle of my musical career. It's a feeling of indescribable happiness, and I'm deeply grateful to Allah for this honor. I extend my gratitude to my family and friends who have supported me throughout this journey, particularly composers Pallab Sanyal and Rajesh Ghosh, who set the stage for my career by composing my initial songs.

Messenger: Could you share the story behind the creation of 'Dhire Dhire'?
Jibon: I originally wrote this song in 2017 for the movie 'Dohon,' directed by Raihan Rafi. However, Rafi suggested that the song would be more suitable for his upcoming movie 'Poran.' We then put the song on hold. Five years passed, and the song remained on the shelf, with the added challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. At one point, composer Emon Chowdhury and I even considered releasing the song on YouTube. Eventually, Rafi contacted me again to revisit the song, and in 2022, we officially unveiled it. The melody, music, and the singer created high expectations for the song. After its release, I received an outpouring of love from the audience, culminating in this award.

Messenger: What are you currently busy with?
Jibon: As a freelance lyricist, I stay busy with various projects, from movie songs to drama and theme songs. Recently, I have composed a theme song for Unilever Bangladesh, and I am also collaborating on a movie song with singer-musician Imran. I am also working on several other movie songs. Currently, there's a new song titled 'Jitbo Amra' for the World Cup, sung by Tasnim Anika. Additionally, I have released several other songs, including 'Tumi Amar 2.' I'm always occupied with work, and I enjoy being productive.

Messenger: Your work seems to touch upon various aspects of society. Is there a specific motivation behind this?
Jibon: I grew up in the village and had the opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life. Since I lost my father at a young age, I had to rely on myself and connect with people to meet various needs. This journey exposed me to different segments of society, and I realised that practicing purity, positivity, honesty, and good deeds can contribute to the betterment of society and the country. I have been nurturing this philosophy since my childhood, and it's a part of my lifestyle. I aim to ensure that my writing fosters positivity, elegance, and a sense of purity, avoiding negativity.

Messenger: How has your journey been since you began your songwriting career in 2007?
Jibon: This journey has been an unbroken path that I wouldn't trade for anything. I cherish the memories of my early years when I made my debut as a lyricist. In 2007, I initiated my journey with two songs, 'Bharatiya Chai' composed by Pallab Sanyal and 'Bhalobasi Bole' composed by Rajesh Ghosh, both sung by Asif Akbar for his album 'Hridoye Roktokhoron.' These two individuals have contributed immensely to my career, and I deeply appreciate their support. I often reminisce about those days when I roamed around Bailey Road and interacted with various artists.

Messenger: You lost your father when you were young, and your mother played a significant role in your upbringing. Could you share the story of your journey to Dhaka?
Jibon: I lost my father at the age of four. Along with my mother's love and guidance, my maternal uncles, my elder sister, and my younger brother's support played a pivotal role in my journey. Their sacrifices were instrumental in helping me get to where I am today. After completing my SSC from Noakhali, I moved to Chattogram and continued my studies. I later passed my HSC from Chittagong Commerce College and gained admission to Titumir College in Dhaka. During those initial days, I had no friends in the city. I initially stayed at the residence of a friend from Chattogram named Sijan, who lived in Dhanmondi's Kalabagan. To sustain myself, I provided tuition and attempted to establish connections with composers and music directors. It was during this period that I had the opportunity to meet Pallab Sanyal and Rajesh Ghosh. Although this journey was challenging, my unwavering dedication and passion kept me focused on my goals. I arrived in Dhaka with almost nothing, but it was the beginning of my journey as a songwriter. Today, I have written around 800 songs, and I am grateful for everything, Alhamdulillah.

Messenger: We know you are a passionate fan of Bangladesh cricket. How would you assess Bangladesh's performance in this World Cup?
Jibon: I have been going to the cricket field as a fan for over two decades. Bangladesh's performance in this year's World Cup was undoubtedly disappointing. There were high hopes and expectations for the team. Personally, I had hoped to see Bangladesh win at least four matches, even if they didn't make it to the semi-finals. While the tournament started decently, Bangladesh faced challenges during the middle phase. Some batting experiments and non-cricket controversies leading up to the World Cup caused the team to deviate from their road to progression. Overall, it was a disappointing World Cup for Bangladesh. However, I believe that the Bangladesh Cricket Board and all relevant parties should learn from this experience and plan for the future. Cricket is a source of great joy for the people of our country. It has the power to unite individuals regardless of their differences in religion, caste, or politics.