Khairul Anam Shakil, who has acquired immense fame as a Nazrul Sangeet singer, is working to uphold the rich heritage of Bangla songs. Shakil had left Dhaka for London in 1975 and graduated from Leeds University in industrial engineering in 1984. Shakil passion for music and his commitment to promoting it is truly commendable.
Shakil grew up in a family inclined to music and thus it is no surprise that he has been interested in it since he was a child. His mother, Nilufar Khayer, was a student of Rabindra Sangeet in Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA), and was also involved with Chhayanaut. Shakils uncle, Mahmudur Rahman Benoo, inspired and guided him into learning music, especially Nazrul. He used to take Shakil and his siblings to all the Chhayanaut programmes when they were children. Shakils inspiration to be involved in music started when he took part in a competition of Rabindra Sangeet in the then Pakistan Television in 1968 and secured the first position; he was ten years old. “Winning the competition was a great boost and I got very interested in music. My uncle pressured me to practise music sincerely and with dedication.”
During the liberation war in 1971, Shakils family became displaced and continuing with music was almost impossible. After coming back to Dhaka in 1972, he got admitted at Chhayanaut in the beginner’s class. He had chosen to learn Nazrul Sangeet and was allowed to be admitted in first year in music.
Shakil is married to Masuda Anam Kolpana, with two sons Zareef Anam and Wasif Anam. Masuda is also a notable Nazrul Shongeet singer. They released a few duet music albums including Ektuku Chhoya Lagey (2017). They released their first Rabindra Sangeet album, Ektuku Chhoya Lagey in 2017. Shakil is the nephew of filmmaker Tareque Masud and brother in law of noted film maker Badal Rahman
Shakil is the current vice president of Chhayanaut Cultural Organisation, and a faculty member of the Department of Music at the University of Dhaka. He serves as the General Secretary of Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Sangstha.
Awards:
• 6th Channeli Music Award- Best Nazrul Singer.
• 10th Channeli Music Award- Best Nazrul Singer.
• Jatiyo Kobi Kazi Nazrul Islam University- নজরুল সঙ্গীতের প্রচার ও প্রসার এর ক্ষেত্রে বিশেষ অবদানের জন্য স্বীকৃতি সরূপ “নজরুল সম্মাননা”(2016)
• Nazrul Institute- Nazrul Award (2017)
• National Award Ekushey Padak 2019
