How an Assamese singer made Dubai sing his love ballad

Shankuraj Konwar

Shankuraj Konwar, a versatile singer, songwriter, and composer from Assam, India, recently made his mark in Dubai at a spring festival. Known for drawing inspiration from Prince’s *Purple Rain*, Konwar was captivated by Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa, which reminded him of Tom Cruise’s daring stunt in *Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol*. This blend of musical artistry and cinematic fascination defines Konwar’s unique approach to his craft.

Despite his love for iconic landmarks, Konwar’s focus in Dubai was on showcasing his Assamese music to a global audience. The singer, who quit his mechanical engineering job in 2016 to pursue his musical dreams, has become a sensation among the youth in Assam with his blend of EDM-influenced rhythms, lyrical allegories, and a deep, soulful voice. Unlike many young visitors to Dubai, Konwar wasn't there for the typical tourist spots; he was there to share his music and make a meaningful impact.

Konwar's journey in music took a significant turn with Project Baartalaap (which means “conversation” in Assamese), a concept he created with a few friends. After leaving his engineering job, he went to Mumbai to pursue a master’s degree at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. There, he engaged in numerous jam sessions, which eventually led to the birth of Project Baartalaap. The turning point came in December 2016 during an event for people with disabilities, where the word "disability" inspired Konwar and his friends to introspect and express themselves musically.

Project Baartalaap focuses on conversations through music, poetry, and art. Their unique approach has garnered millions of views on YouTube, though Konwar admits they never aimed to change trends or build a music career; they simply wanted to reach an audience. His collaboration with Maitrayee Patar, a celebrated Assamese author, singer, and songwriter, has added a creative spark to his work, making Project Baartalaap a significant success in Assam.

Drawing inspiration from K-pop, Konwar dreams of taking Assamese music to a broader audience. He admires how Korean music has reached global listeners despite language barriers, thanks to its melodic appeal. Konwar envisions Assamese music achieving similar success at least on a pan-India level, where music lovers across the country would listen to and appreciate their regional sounds.

Assamese music, unlike many other Indian states, has a rich tradition of non-film music, thanks in large part to icons like Bhupen Hazarika. Hazarika’s travels and exposure to diverse cultures deeply influenced his music, which echoed the spirit of humanity. His younger brother, Jayanta Hazarika, also made significant contributions with his innovative sounds and melodies in the 1960s and 1970s. This rich musical heritage continues to inspire artists like Konwar.

In 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic, Konwar performed at a music festival in Majuli, a freshwater island in Assam. It was here that he met Alakananda, a member of the festival’s organizing committee, who would become the love of his life. The lockdown that followed was challenging for Konwar, who was in Mumbai, but Alakananda’s support and motivation over the phone kept him inspired. This connection led to the creation of a new song, *Alakananda*, which has since become a love anthem in Assam.

Collaborating once again with Maitrayee Patar, Konwar crafted this heartfelt song during the lockdown. The track, named after both Alakananda and a river in India, captured the emotions of his experience and connection with her. The song was released as a surprise for Alakananda, who was deeply moved by it. The track received an overwhelming response from music lovers in Assam, solidifying Konwar’s place in the hearts of his audience.

A little over a day after our conversation, Konwar performed *Alakananda* on stage in Dubai, captivating the crowd and making them sing along to every line of his love ballad. His journey from Assam to Dubai, filled with musical innovation and heartfelt connections, continues to inspire many, showcasing the power of music to transcend boundaries and touch lives.