Famed as “Guru” to some and “Nagar Baul” to others, the iconic rock figure James dismisses these titles with his trademark casual demeanor. Clutching a guitar, he affectionately tells his followers, “You are my life, you are my soul,” epitomizing his genuine connection with fans.
Today marks the 61st birthday of Faruq Mahfuz Anam, famously known as James, a revered figure in Bangladeshi rock music across South Asia. Despite his renowned status, James’s musical journey from Naogaon in 1964 to his upbringing in Chattogram was riddled with challenges. Growing up in a conservative environment, he encountered resistance and eventually left home, finding a new beginning at Aziz Boarding in Chattogram, where his musical career took flight.
In 1980, he established his inaugural band, “Feelings,” which later unleashed the acclaimed debut album “Station Road” in 1987. The following year, James skyrocketed to fame with his solo album “Ononna.” Throughout the years, he delivered numerous chart-topping albums, including “Jail Theke Bolchhi” (1990), “Nagar Baul” (1996), “Lace Fita Lace” (1998), “Collection of Feelings” (1999), “Dushtu Cheler Dol” (2001), and “Bijli” (2007). His solo repertoire boasts timeless classics like “Palabi Kothay” (1995), “Dukhini Dukh Korona” (1997), “Thik Ache Bondhu” (1999), “Ami Tomaderi Lok” (2003), “Janata Express” (2005), “Toofan” (2006), and “Kal Jamuna” (2009).
James’s acclaim transcended borders when he ventured into Bollywood. His rendition of “Bheegi Bheegi” for the film Gangster in 2005 dominated the Bollywood charts for over a month. Subsequent hits in “Life in a… Metro” (2007) with songs like Rishta and Alvida solidified his global standing. His notable contribution to the film “Satta” in 2017 with “Tumi Premete Andho Ami” earned him the National Film Award in Bangladesh.
Renowned for his songs like “Bangladesh,” “Jail Theke Ami Bolchhi,” “Ma,” “Dukhini Dukh Korona,” “Lace Fita Lace,” “Baba Koto Din,” “Bijli,” “Dushtu Cheler Dol,” “Pagla Hawa,” and “Guru Ghor Banaila Ki Diya,” James is hailed as the emblem of Bangladeshi rock music. From his humble beginnings to his iconic stature as a South Asian rock luminary, James epitomizes the essence of Bangladeshi rock music.