Ekushey Padak-winning eminent artist Shujeo Shyam passes away

Shwadhin Bangla Betar Kendra-famed legendary singer, composer, and music director Shujeyo Shyam passed away last night at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in the capital, at the age of 78.

The eminent artist breathed his last around 2:50 am, his daughter Rupa Manjuri Shyam confirmed to the media.

His body has been taken to Dhakeshwari temple in the capital for public homage. After that, his last rites will be performed at SabujBagh Baradeshwari Crematorium in the capital, UNB reports.

Shujeyo Shyam was battling cancer and other health issues including high diabetes and kidney problems. According to his daughter, he got an infection after a pacemaker was implanted in his heart last September.

He was admitted to BSMMU last September 24. At that time, he was being treated in the CCU as there were no beds available in the ICU.

A four-times Bangladesh National Film Award winner for Best Music Director, Shujeyo Shyam is revered for composing the final song for Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra during the 1971 liberation war and the maiden song following the surrender of the Pakistani occupation forces.

The song was “Bijoy Nishan Urche Oi” which was written by lyricist Shahidul Amin and voiced by Ajit Roy; and in total, nine of his songs for Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra were sung from June to December 1971.

Some of his notable compositions include “Rokto Diye Naam Likhechi,” “Rokto Chai Rokto Chai,” “Aha Dhonno Amar Jonmobhumi,” and “Ayre Chashi Mojur Kuli,” among many others.

Born on March 14, 1946, in Sylhet, Shujeyo Shyam received Ekushey Padak in 2018 from the Government of Bangladesh and Shilpakala Padak in 2015 from Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA).

He received the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Music Director four times for the films Hason Raja (2002), Joyjatra (2004), Obujh Bou (2010) and Joiboti Konyar Mon (2021).