Late Baul singer Kanai Das’ final song to feature in ‘Roid’

The upcoming film “Roid” will feature the final recorded song of late Baul singer Kanai Das, marking his first and only playback contribution to cinema.

Kanai Das Baul, a visually impaired folk artist from West Bengal, died on April 18. Known for his spiritually rooted music and humanist philosophy, he spent his life travelling across villages, fairs and akhras with his ektara, performing songs that reflected devotion and the essence of humanity.

Among his widely recognised songs are “Manush Bhojle Sonar Manush Hobi” and “Ke Bole Manush More, Ami Bujhlam Na Byapar”, which helped cement his place within the Baul tradition.

Kanai Das recorded a song last year for “Roid,” directed by Mejbauer Rahman Sumon. The track remains unreleased and is expected to be published soon. It stands as the only playback recording of his career.

The director expressed regret that the singer could not hear the final version of the song. Recalling their interaction during the recording, he said the artist had expressed interest in listening to the completed track, but passed away before that could happen.

Sumon previously used the song “Atta Baje Deri Koris Na”, performed by Basudeb Das Baul, in his film “Hawa”. Continuing his engagement with Baul music, he incorporated Kanai Das’s voice into “Roid”, though details of the song have not yet been disclosed.

The film has already released its first track, “Roide Aila Ga Jurai­te”, written, composed and performed by Rajib Ahmed Raju of the Sahajiya band, with music direction by Rashid Sharif Shoaib.

“Roid” features performances by Mostafizur Noor Imran, Nazifa Tushi and Gazi Rakayet, among others. The film is currently awaiting release.