Engineering Emotion: How Anupam Roy is redefining Bengali Film Music

Anupam Roy’s rise is a story of patience, precision, and quiet rebellion. A gold medalist engineer from Jadavpur University, Roy spent years designing circuits at Texas Instruments, all while building his musical identity on the side - writing, composing, and archiving songs in a city thousands of kilometres away from his desk job.

Born in 1982 in Calcutta, he grew up in a home steeped in music. His mother, Madhurita Roy, a trained singer, was his first teacher. Recordings of Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey, and Lata Mangeshkar played often, alongside Bengali legends like Suchitra Mitra and Hemanta Mukherjee. He picked up the tabla as a child, dabbled with his father’s bulbul tarang, and eventually found his way to the guitar.

In Bangalore, Roy lived two lives: one in the office, the other in his head, where lyrics took shape and melodies looped. Filmmaker Srijit Mukherji, a friend and early admirer, featured two of his songs - Amake Amar Moto Thakte Dao and Benche Thakar Gaan, in the 2010 film Autograph. Bengali cinema had found a new voice.

Soon after, he returned to Kolkata and began writing full-time. Over the next few years, he composed for films like Chalo Paltai, Baishe Srabon, Rang Milanti, Hemlock Society, Highway, and Chotushkone. His songwriting stood out for its restraint - clear-eyed takes on confusion, heartbreak, isolation, and defiance.

In 2015, Roy entered Hindi cinema with Piku, earning a Filmfare Award and a taste of national fame. But the pace didn’t change. He remained selective, unhurried, careful with what he took on.

Outside of films, Roy has released five solo albums: Durbine Chokh Rakhbona (2012), Dwitiyo Purush (2013), Bakyobageesh (2014), Ebar Morle Gachh Hawbo (2017), and Adrishya Nagordolar Trip (2023).

He’s also published poetry, short stories, and graphic novels. Now in his 40s, Roy continues to work quietly, far from the noise of celebrity culture. Even when his songs chart, his personal rhythm remains steady. As he once said, fame has a shelf life.

Anupam Roy writes with the long view in mind. Not to impress, not to perform, but to stay honest to the thought that first made him sit down with a guitar.

Anupam Roy's breakout track from the 2010 film Autograph encapsulates a plea for personal space and self-identity. Its introspective lyrics and minimalist composition resonated deeply, marking a significant shift in contemporary Bengali music.

Featured in Autograph, this song explores the themes of resilience and the essence of living. Its evocative melody and profound lyrics have cemented its status as an anthem of hope.

This poignant track showcases Anupam Roy's lyrical depth and emotive composition. The song's heartfelt plea and haunting melody resonate deeply, making it a memorable piece in contemporary Bengali cinema.

This song paints a poignant picture of emptiness and longing. Anupam's soulful rendition and the song's haunting melody capture the essence of unfulfilled desires and memories.

This track stands out for its enigmatic lyrics and atmospheric arrangement.
The song delves into the complexities of suppressed emotions and unspoken words, resonating with listeners on multiple levels.

Anupam's Hindi film debut. The song's minimalist arrangement and poignant lyrics mirror the film's themes of unspoken emotions and familial bonds.

A soulful rendition of Lalon Fakir's classic, Anupam collaborated with Satyaki Banerjee and Babul Supriyo for this project. The fusion of traditional Baul elements with contemporary sounds bridges the gap between eras, bringing timeless philosophies to modern audiences.

This song won Anupam Roy the National Film Award for Best Lyrics. Built around the ache of unspoken love and unfinished conversations, the track captures emotional maturity with stunning restraint. Its quiet power lies in what's left unsaid-something Anupam has always excelled at.

One of his lesser-known but lyrically rich tracks, Katakuti Khela uses the metaphor of a childhood game to talk about emotional damage and manipulation in relationships.

This song reflects on the introspective moments of a couple during lockdown. The song's mellow tune and heartfelt lyrics encapsulate the essence of love and companionship in confined times.

This romantic melody, penned by Anupam Roy and voiced by Arijit Singh, delves into the emotions of reuniting with a loved one after a challenging period.

A reimagined version of his earlier work, this track showcases Anupam's evolution as an artist. The song's layered instrumentation and reflective lyrics explore the nuances of fleeting moments and youthful exuberance.

This melancholic melody reflects on personal transformation and the passage of time. Anupam's introspective lyrics and emotive composition evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and change.

A recent collaboration with Prashmita Paul, this song is a heartfelt expression of love. The duet's harmonious blend and sincere lyrics make it a contemporary favorite among listeners.