Baul Akbar Ali’s mission of pursuing Lalon’s philosophy

Baul Akbar Ali Shaijee regularly performs in Jhenaidah. The artiste mostly renders spiritual Pala Gaan, accompanied by other folk artistes.

Akbar Ali was born in Dudrajpur on August 12, 1957. His father was the late Bahadur Malita.

Akbar Ali studied at Gopalpur Govt. Primary School. As a student of class V, Ali sang a Lalon song, “Jaat gelo jaat gelo boley,” at a cultural function organised by the local scouts. At the end of the show, an emotionally moved scout officer embraced him. That gave an impetus to his musical intrigue and Ali began to learn baul songs. He trained under Santosh Kumar and Hazari in Kurulia village. He also started practicing with harmonium and dotara. Unfortunately, however, Ali soon faced the ire of the local conservatives who ostracised him. Ali recalls being prevented from even fetching water from the community tubewell.

Gradually, the young artiste was pressured and intimidated to flee from his village home. He went to India and took refuge with his previous mentor Santosh Goshai at Ghugragachi village in Ranaghat. There he spent eight years and gained deeper knowledge on the Baul philosophy and spiritual subjects.

Ali returned to Digherpara village in Bangladesh. There he trained for around 12 years under Aftab Shaijee. At the age of 35, Ali returned to his native village Dudrajpur. Now he performs Baul songs and Bhab Gaan in Jhenidah as well as other districts of Bangladesh.

Ali performs spiritual songs and Pala Gaan with renowned artistes including Momotaj, Neela Pagli, Abul Sarkar, Khorshed Alam, Khaleq Dewan, Aruz Ali, Nazrul Islam, Jharu Shahi and Mahendra Goshai. In 2000 the then Jhenidah Deputy Magistrate Aminur Rasul conferred the title of “Lalon Shadhok” on Ali.

Ali possesses the unique quality of improvised compositions when he is on stage. He has around 300/400 spiritual and Bichhedi songs to his credit. The artiste has a family of five and he teaches Lalon songs. His ultimate aim is to devote himself to delve into Lalon’s philosophy and songs.