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Bengali folk artiste Ratan Kahar suddenly finds himself in the limelight as never before post his controversy with Badshah. It is the sort of pan-India limelight he didn’t quite enjoy even at the peak of his success — when he created the all-time Bengali folk pop hit “Boroloker biti lo” all those decades ago in 1972.
Kahar’s name comes in the spotlight because rap superstar Badshah has used portions of the song in his new single, “Genda phool”. Soon after the song was released, social media went wild accusing Badshah of plagiarism, citing Kahar as the original’s creator. Following this, the rapper on Wednesday had issued a statement saying he has been trying to reach out to Kahar but has not been able to do so owing to the nationwide lockdown.
Kahar, a veteran folk singer-songwriter now lives in poverty-stricken condition in Birbhum district’s Siuri town with his family. Age has taken a toll on his health but even today, people call him from faraway places like Durgapur to felicitate him for his music, and he sings and dances on stage with the gusto of a teenager.
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Reacting to the news that Badshah wants to reach out to him to acknowledge the fact that his creativty has been used in “Genda phool”, Kahar sounds happy.
“It feels great that such a renowned artist has used my song and has expressed his desire to help me. I have watched his video and I liked it,” the 80-plus singer singer told IANS.
He adds after a pause, on a more sober note: “I hope Badshah will help me. I expect a little monetary help from him. I live in a poverty-stricken condition and will be glad to receive his help.”
When a star like Badshah, who has a global fan base, used “Boroloker biti lo” in his new song, Kahar’s creation has also reached audiences all over the world. The song that he created in 1972 is today seeing a spirited revival. Does Kahar feel the rush all over again?