India’s independent music magazine
Feature
Two singer-songwriters who rewrote Bengali modern song in the 90s, and three Kolkata bands that turned Bangla rock into a mass movement.
Bangla band music and Kolkata's singer-songwriter tradition sit at the heart of Indian independent music. Long before "indie" was a marketing word, these artists were writing about city life, love and politics in Bengali.
Here are two songwriters and three bands. Each entry has a short history and three tracks.
For the scene today, read Kolkata Music Scene: Bengali Bands. For Fossils, see our Fossils band guide.
Kabir Suman's 1992 album Tomake Chai changed Bengali modern song. His guitar-led songs about everyday city life inspired a generation of Bengali songwriters and bands.
His catalogue runs through the 90s, including "Banshuriya", and into film work like Jaatishwar (2013).
Start with "Tomake Chai". Then play "Banshuriya".
Essential tracks
Anjan Dutt is a Kolkata singer-songwriter, actor and filmmaker. His story-songs, like "Mary Ann" and "Jeremir Behala", are part of the city's musical memory.
He carried that songwriting into film, including "Ranjana Ami Ar Ashbona" from the 2011 film of the same name, which he directed.
Start with "Mary Ann". Then play "Ranjana Ami Ar Ashbona".
Essential tracks
Chandrabindoo are a Kolkata band known for witty, wordplay-heavy Bengali songs. Gadha (1998), Chaw (2001), Juju (2003) and Ebhabeo Phire Asha Jaye (2005) made them one of Bangla band music's best-loved acts.
Start with "Bandhu Tomaye". Then play "Adorer Nouka" and "Sweet Heart".
Essential tracks
Fossils, led by singer Rupam Islam, are one of the biggest Bangla rock bands. Their first album brought "Aaro Ekbar" and "Hansnuhana", and the band went on to make Bengali rock a stadium-sized genre.
They're still active. Fossils 7 came out in February 2026.
Start with "Aaro Ekbar". Then play "Khudharto Mangsashi" from Fossils 7.
Essential tracks
Cactus are one of the pioneering bands of Kolkata's Bangla rock movement. "Bandhu Re" from Rajar Raja (2004) and "Halud Pakhi" are among their best-known songs.
Start with "Halud Pakhi". Then play "Bandhu Re".
Essential tracks
