SI Tutul

Popular singer-composer SI Tutul took the National Film Award under playback singer (male) category from prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre. He got the award for lending voice in the song Bukeri bhetore joton koria , a playback of the movie Bhalobaslei Ghar Bandha Jai Na.
This is his first national recognition as a playback singer. However, as a music director Tutul won national award on two occasions:  for composing songs in the movie Rani Kuthhir Baki Itihash (2004) and Daruchini Dwip (2007).
‘Yes, it is a big surprise for me since I’m more focused in music direction professionally in movies rather than singing. I sing very occasionally,’ said Tutul, who already have won the hearts of millions of Bangla music lovers for composing songs like Jai din jai ekaki, Keu prem korey, Matir bichhanai and O karigar.
Considering national award a landmark for an artist’s career, Tutul believes that award winners should get more state honour. ‘Only a very few artists win national award in their lifetime. So these artsits deserve special honour from the state. For example, the national award winning artists should get guard oh honour at the funeral ceremony, special healthcare facilities and others. Such state honours will also encourage young artistes to work more with dedication to get the recognition,’ SI Tutul told New Age.
Shahidul Islam Tutul, popularly known as S I Tutul, started his music career as a keyboardist and composer in the popular band Feelings in 1980s. A founding member of LRB, Tutul, however, got nationwide popularity while performing for the band. Subsequently he left the band focused on solo projects.
As a playback singer, he emerged in 2001 lending voice in the song Janmile morite hobe in the film Bhalobashar Mulyo Kato. But Tutul’s music direction and singing in the movies like Bachelor and Hridoyer Katha brought him into instant limelight.
Sharing his style of composition, Tutul explains, ‘As a composer, I want to create my own style. While composing a song, I keep in mind the demand of the music as well as our identity and roots.’
Tutul is now working for Humayun Ahmed’s upcoming movie Ghetuputra Kamola as a music director.