Remembering Papia Sarwar: A luminary of Bangladeshi Rabindra Sangeet

There's a special aura around the people who are part of the first generation in a particular field. Their legacy becomes intrinsically linked with that field as they invariably set the tone for everything that comes after them. 

Bangladesh found such a group in the form of Mita Haque, Sadi Mohammad, Kaderi Kibria, and Papia Sarwar, who formed the pioneering class of Rabindra Sangeet singers in the recently independent Bangladesh.

Out of these talented singers, Papia Sarwar carved a niche for herself with her foray into other music genres, which also lent her a mass appeal. Papia Sarwar was the first Bangladeshi to learn the Rabindra Sangeet at Visva Bharati University, Shantiniketan, post-independence. In 1973, She was a second-year zoology student at the University of Dhaka when she received a scholarship from the Indian Government to study Rabindra Sangeet at the institution founded by the legendary poet himself. 

This milestone kickstarted the first generation of Bangladeshi Rabindra Sangeet singers and, to this day, remains a shining jewel alongside her illustrious music career spanning over five decades.

The acclaimed Rabindra Sangeet artiste and Ekushey Padak recipient, Papia Sarwar, passed away in the early hours of 12 December. She drew her final breath at a private hospital in Dhaka after a battle with cancer. Survived by her husband and two children, she leaves behind a timeless legacy deeply rooted in the music of Tagore.

Born in 1952 in Barishal, Papia's admiration for Tagore bloomed early in her childhood. She joined Chhayanaut in the sixth grade and later continued her artistic journey at the Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA). By 1967, she was already a listed artist for both radio and television. Her journey eventually took her to Shantiniketan, where she trained under esteemed gurus and shared her journey with legends of tomorrow, further cementing her place in the world of Rabindra Sangeet.

"Papia and I both studied at Shantiniketan, which naturally created a lasting connection between us. She belonged to the first generation of musicians in Bangladesh and served as an inspiration to many of today's artists. Artistes with such remarkable personality and talent are rare," said revered Rabindra Sangeet singer Adity Mohsin.

Papia released her debut audio album, Papia Sarwar, in 1982. Over her illustrious career, she captivated millions with her soulful renditions of Rabindra Sangeet and earned widespread acclaim for her unique voice and distinctive singing style.

In addition to Rabindra Sangeet, she also made her mark in modern Bangla music. One of her most beloved songs, 'Nai Telephone Nai Re Peon Nai Re Telegram', brought her immense popularity among Bangla music enthusiasts.

"Papia gained immense popularity with her signature contemporary track 'Nai Telephone Nai Re Pion Nai Re Telegram'. However, her 'Bondhur Kache Moner Khobor Kemne Pouchaitam' was equally popular. Her deep and distinct voice made her stand out in music," said Nazrul Geeti singer Shaheen Samad, who had also gone to the same school growing up as Papia, only a year older.

In 1996, Papia Sarwar founded Geetosudha, a renowned music school in the capital, where she served as its director. Through this institution, she upheld the Guru-Shishya Parampara, carrying forward the rich musical legacy of Tagore for future generations.

Music connoisseurs frequently highlighted her careful selection of modern songs, contributing to her discography's relatively small number of albums. Her last album, Akashpane Hath Baralam, came out in 2013.

Papia Sarwar's outstanding contributions to music earned her numerous accolades, including the Rabindra Award from Bangla Academy in 2013 and the Bangla Academy Fellowship in 2015. Her legacy was further solidified in 2021 when she received the esteemed Ekushey Padak.

"Papia was a well-educated artiste in the field of music. Despite studying abroad, she sought training in modern and contemporary songs from me. Though she received many awards and accolades, she remained humble and free of arrogance. She was one of the most genuine artists and people I've ever known. I pray for her soul's peace, " said legendary musician Khurshid Alam.