Disciple:
Salutations, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Salutations, my son.
Disciple:
Today, we have with us someone associated with music—a singer. Due to the twists of fate, he has become somewhat stagnant. He has been disconnected from the musical world he once thrived in, perhaps due to his destiny.
Gurudev:
The thing is, COVID-19 happened. Because of the pandemic, he—and many other young men like him—fell behind. Many people from the music world come to me; many come from Mumbai and even film artists from the industry. They've been set back, but it's not for any other reason than the times we are in. What you said isn't entirely accurate.
Disciple:
Gurudev, if I have your permission, I would like to ask him a few things.
Gurudev:
Yes, go ahead. Why not?
Disciple:
Hello, brother. Could you kindly tell us your name?
Kumarjit:
My name is Kumarjit Acharya.
Disciple:
I am very curious to know—how did you find out about Gurudev, and what brought you here?
Kumarjit:
Basically, I am from Ichapore, Barrackpore. I met a brother through Facebook a long time ago named Manish Sarkar; he lives in Dubrajpur. Suddenly, during a conversation, he said, "Brother, you have struggled so much and you continue to do so. You sing songs by RD Burman and Kishore Kumar, and even those who played with Pancham Da and Kishore Kumar have accompanied you. But I don't see your shows much here in the Birbhum district or elsewhere. I know of one person in this world—not just in West Bengal, but in the entire world—whose shelter you should seek." I asked where he lived. He said his location isn't fixed, but he suggested I go to the Rajpur cremation ground and meet our Gurudev there. He shared his photo and phone number. I immediately took my scooter and rushed here. I sought Gurudev's shelter, and today I feel a great sense of peace. The way my life was becoming fragmented during the COVID period, and the individual struggle I went through... I was even affected by COVID and had to recover through my own struggle. Without Gurudev's blessings and his magnetic pull, I wouldn't have found a place at his feet. This is my firm belief.
Kumarjit:
The most amazing thing I saw here at the temple is a sign that says no one should give even a single rupee. Another thing that deeply moved me—as someone who respects and loves my parents deeply (my mother is no longer with us)—is a writing that says: "Your Mother is feeding you; your attempt to feed her is futile." That sentence shook me. I've been sitting here reading all these messages; they are like mantras for purifying oneself and the mind. In all my years, I have never seen a place like this. I feel this is my final and ultimate destination.
Disciple:
You mentioned you came through a friend.
Kumarjit:
Yes, a friend from Facebook. Manish Sarkar.
Disciple:
Gurudev surely recognizes him.
Gurudev:
Yes, yes. His mother also insisted he come here as soon as possible.
Disciple:
Gurudev, we know that when people feel lonely or destitute, they run to you. He has come here today seeking your blessings. Please bless him so he can move forward in the coming days.
Gurudev:
I listened to his singing today. We hadn't met before. He had come once or twice before but missed me as I was perhaps in Tarapith or elsewhere. Today he came, and I asked what he does. He said he is an artist, a singer. I told him to sing a couple of songs for "Ma" (the Goddess). I listened to his voice; it is excellent. He is very well-acquainted with the world of music. He told me he has sat with Manna Dey at his house and took lessons in music for six hours. He mentioned names like RD Burman and Salil Chowdhury. He has performed many programs. He showed me some videos of his performances. I asked him to sing for Ma because she loves music. He sang a song by Manna Dey. It was beautiful, very melodious. Our environment here is very musical; we have music sessions in the evenings. His talent is backed by deep practice. He told me he usually can't perform without a microphone, but I told him I have one he can use. He said, "No, today I will just sit here in front of Ma." It was very nice. We never know who Ma will send and when. She has sent many great people from the Mumbai film world and the Tollywood industry here.
Disciple:
They come to take your blessings.
Gurudev:
And I will surely bless him. Why wouldn't I? Talented people must be encouraged. Perhaps his time was a bit bad, and he felt discouraged. But one cannot stay down; one must rise. When you have a voice and the gift of song—and such a good voice at that—you must continue.
Disciple:
Brother, I noticed in the videos you showed Gurudev that you were wearing a black t-shirt during your programs. Even today, you are wearing black.
Kumarjit:
Actually, I went to Mumbai about 10-12 years ago. I saw a singer get on stage very casually wearing a black t-shirt and jeans. Before him, many famous artists performed in formal blazers, but they weren't as memorable. This guy sang 10-12 songs, while the famous ones only sang 3 or 4. I used to wear blazers too and would get hot and uncomfortable. I realized there is nothing better than casual clothes; it makes you feel more connected to the audience. Also, an astrologer told me that since my zodiac sign is Capricorn, my ruling planet is Saturn, so black and blue are good for me. Moreover, the color of Mother Kali is black, and Bappa (Gurudev) is a great devotee of Lord Shani (Saturn). This combination made black my signature color. It's become like a uniform for me.
Gurudev:
I request all my followers and the general public to listen to his songs.
Disciple:
Gurudev, we would like to hear a few lines from him here today in his natural voice. But first, a question... he mostly sings Manna Dey, Kishore Kumar, and RD Burman songs.
Kumarjit:
It's hard to choose which Kishore Kumar song to sing; he has so many great Bengali songs.
Gurudev:
Sing whatever you like.
Kumarjit:
Since Gurudev instructed me, I will sing a devotional song first, and then maybe a Kishore Kumar song.
Kumarjit (Singing):
"My Mother's name is Kindhearted, Bholanath (Shiva) is my Father's name. Where Mother spreads her lap, That is my Kailash (heaven). What is the use of going on pilgrimages to Gaya or Kashi? In the lotus of my heart, The Goddess with flowing hair resides..."
Disciple:
Thank you. Now, we would love to hear a song by Kishore Kumar in your voice.
Kumarjit (Singing):
"In the peacock-palace of my mind, Come today and pour the perfume of love. The star-studded veil of the moonlit night, Light the chandeliers in both my eyes. Where will I be tomorrow? Does anyone know? Does anyone ever understand The meaning of this life? If I must lose, if I must leave, At least play the game of love with me..."
Disciple:
Thank you. Gurudev, we loved it, and I hope the audience will too. What did you think, Gurudev?
Gurudev:
I liked it very much. His voice is great.
Kumarjit:
Should I sing a song by Pancham Da (RD Burman)?
Gurudev:
Go ahead.
Kumarjit (Singing):
"You and I had met, I don't know when or where. The game of giving our hearts happened, I don't know when or where..."
Gurudev:
Have you practiced music a lot?
Kumarjit:
Yes, more or less. I learned from my mother since childhood, and my father taught me the Tabla. That's how I grew up.
Gurudev:
This is how people learn and grow. But I always say one thing: do not leave God's side. Keep God with you. Look at Lata Mangeshkar; she had the grace of Goddess Saraswati. Even now, she is revered. I say, perform your music while keeping God in your heart. That music becomes world-class. That is all I have to say.
Disciple:
Friends, you just heard the beautiful singing of an artist who is making a comeback. I hope you liked it. Gurudev has blessed him. We will end here. Salutations, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Blessings to you.