Shahjahan Munshi is a shining name in Bengali folk music, a singer whose melodies nourish the soul. Though born into the Miya lineage, the title ‘Munshi’ became attached to his name for a special reason. One of his ancestors was a devout man who regularly led Milad prayers and religious rituals. Out of respect, the villagers called him ‘Munshi,’ a title that was eventually passed down to Shahjahan Miya, establishing him as Shahjahan Munshi in Bengali folk music.
His passion for music ignited in childhood, leading him to train under renowned mentors. However, he no longer finds the opportunity to learn formally and instead continues his self-taught musical journey, singing from sheer devotion. Despite his mastery, he often expresses a subtle regret—the challenge of finding the right instrumentalists who can do justice to his compositions.
Unlike many folk artists, Shahjahan Munshi has no desire to embrace city life. He finds solace in his rural surroundings, though professional commitments sometimes bring him to urban centers. His perspective on music is unique—he does not identify as a Baul singer, as he believes there are subtle distinctions between Baul and Sufi traditions. While Baul’s music follows a distinct spiritual path, he considers himself more aligned with Sufi devotion.
To him, the soul and the mind are not the same. When music is truly understood, it nourishes the soul; when merely heard, it serves as food for the mind. This profound realization shapes his approach to music, which he views as entertainment and a spiritual experience.
By Rajin Saleh
Photo: Hussain Shetu
