Exclusive! Soumitra Ray on 23 years of Bhoomi: Whatever I am today is because of my band

Soumitra Ray and Surojit Chatterjee-led Bhoomi started its journey in 1999 with its first concert at Gyan Manch on July 23. Along with the duo, Vikramjit Banerjee, aka Tuki, and Abhijit Ghosh were also part of the band. As the band completes 23 years, the frontman of the band, Soumitra Ray, talks about his journey with the band and his equation with estranged bandmate, Surojit. 

Remembering the inception of the band, Soumitra says that it was the band’s first-ever public show on a grand scale. “Earlier, we recorded a few songs. Surojit used to come and hang out at our practice pad and together, we started singing Bengali songs. Our friend, Patrick SL Ghosh heard our music and insisted that we record some of the songs. We did not have the money and wherewithal to book a recording studio and all. Patrick booked and promised us biryani if we do the recording. I remember DP Ghosh was on the bass guitar, Another Surajit played the violin and Babuli played the guitar as we recorded Rangeela, Kande Shudho Mon and Gachhe Bhar Bnedhe. Patrick was instrumental behind the formation of Bhoomi,” said Soumitra. 

On their first show at Gyan Manch, Tuki played the guitar. However, his wife Chandrani was not yet inducted into the group. “I remember that she was sitting in the audience. It was much later and after many requests that she joined the group too,” 

While several members left and many new members joined the group, Soumitra carried on with the band as the lead singer and percussionist. The latest lineup will perform at the Tollygunge Club on July 23 to mark the 23 years of Bhoomi and its first concert. The current lineup includes Soumitra, Abhijit, Arjyesh Ray, Hemanta Goswami and Robin Lai. “Whatever little I am or I am not today is because of Bhoomi. I have received immense love from common people and I still wonder how I deserve all the love. It is because of Bhoomi and Bhoomi only,” he said. 

Did he invite Surajit? Soumitra said that despite repeated invitations, he could not break the ice that was built between them. “I hope he comes to our 25th celebration in a few years,” said Soumitra.