Face to face with Sidhuda (Cactus)
On 24th of August 2022 our associated partner Ms Sanhati from “Indian Music Factory” talked to renowned singer of our time none other than great “Sidhuda” at Triguna Sen Auditorium. Let us hear from Sanhati herself as follows
To read the article in Bengali follow this link
I don’t know exactly how to start. The excitement has been suppressed for the last 18 years. From today, it will begin on the 27th, that is the time of great union. But the reason why I had to go through the history of 18 years, it started thirty years ago. When rock music in Bengal made its debut. Today is the 30th anniversary festival, its name is Cactus. When I reached the Triguna Sen Auditorium after crossing the stormy weather.
Today is the festival of 30 bands’ own songs. Bangla band Jeevan Yantra is on stage. One after another amazing presentation is going on. The aim is to sing their own songs. With their amazing ideas, sometimes one or two cactus songs. The stage is crowded with one song after another. Corus of Sidhu Pata and Cactus. Cake cutting and honoring new artistes. The moment the auditorium was thrilled with “Joy rock mantra” I saw in my own eyes and talked to Sidhu Patada. I asked for time. ‘Two minutes?’
“Off course” He replied promptly
Of course, to be a good artist, you have to be a good person first. That’s the gist of what was said with Sidhuda.
Sanhati: How was your beginning as a singer?
Sidhuda: I had a fondness for music from my childhood. It was genetic. But I never thought that music would be my profession. So, when I started the band, I felt that there were no proper Bengali songs for people of our age. It’s good to make some songs, like that I fell in love with rock music. I thought if such rock music could be done in Bengali it would be quite different fun.
So it started with our own liking and the liking of some of our friends. There was no target. There was no ambition. I don’t know when 40 years have passed by moving forward one step at a time.
Sanhati: What was your inspiration? Any artist in particular?
Sidhuda: I can’t talk about any specific inspiration. Who can I talk about? Listening to English rock music, my blood boils. Thinking that there will be communication problems, I thought that I will write these songs in Bengali.
Sanhati: Some work in Hindi?
Sidhuda: There was only one Anurag Basu ordered song, which happened a while back. I just wanted the Hindi version of Tuje, ‘Tujhe Main Dhundta Phiru’. Nothing more.
Sanhati: The Stage for Independent Musician’s Today. Message to Them?
Sidhuda: The kind of platform we are making. If we do such a good job, automatically will continue to get opportunities. Many will agree to give this kind of stage.
Sanhati: The fear that has been created for Bengali songs is that the artist will be banned if he sings Bengali songs. Even such things have happened…
Sidhuda: No one said that we will be banned if we sing Bengali. However, there will be one or two mischievous people. But overall, there is no such pressure. We sing Bengali song with joy.
Sanhati: I am also happy to be present here from Baruipur.
Sidhuda: If you can come on 27th. Apart from us, Anupam Roy, Rupam Islam will come. Now time to take a picture.
Sanhati: I didn’t take pictures separately. He said it himself. Now at the end of the day, there is only one thing to say. Happy Birthday Cactus. Stay Rock!!
Translated from Bengali interview by Ms Aparna Mukherjee
