Alaul Hossain
In the ever-evolving soundscape of Bangladeshi classical music, one name resounds with a timeless depth and serenity—Priyanka Gope. Her voice, steeped in rigorous training and heartfelt devotion, echoes the soulful spirit of Eastern classical traditions while gracefully embracing the poetic cadence of Rabindra Sangeet and the fiery lyrical passion of Nazrulgeeti. More than a singer, she is a practitioner of sonic meditation—a musician-mystic, whose songs are not mere performances but pilgrimages of the soul.
The Early Rhythm of a Musical Calling
Born into a culturally rooted family, Priyanka’s artistic spark was recognized early. Her parents—Basudev Chandra Gope and Bhanurani Gope—initially enrolled her in a dance school in Tangail. But destiny had other plans. The pull of melody soon eclipsed the rhythm of movement, and young Priyanka gravitated toward vocal music with unwavering passion. A student of science at the prestigious Bindubasini Girls School, she eventually found her true path not in equations but in ragas.
Academic Brilliance and Scholarly Pursuits in Music
Priyanka Gope’s musical journey found new depth and direction when she received a scholarship from the Government of India to study at the famed Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata. There, she excelled—securing first class first in her Honours and first class second in her Master’s, a testament to her dedication and talent. During her time in India, she trained under legendary gurus like Pandit Arun Bhaduri, Ananda Chakraborty, and Shubhra Guha, refining her craft in the intricacies of Hindustani classical music.
Back home, she further enriched her vocal repertoire under the guidance of eminent mentors such as Wahidul Haque, Subir Nandi, and Asit Roy. Through this constellation of gurus, Priyanka evolved into a singer whose voice carries the weight of tradition with the lightness of lyrical grace.
A Voice that Resonates with the Soul
Her voice is not merely an instrument of sound, but a vessel of emotion and expression. In her rendering of Tagore’s melodies, there is a contemplative stillness that mirrors the poet’s vision. In her Nazrul songs, one feels the tremor of revolutionary zeal and divine longing. And in her classical recitals, she draws the audience into the sacred geometry of ragas—unfolding each note like a prayer, each phrase like a whisper of the divine.
As a listed artiste of Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, Priyanka Gope stands among the most respected vocalists in the country. Her concerts are known not for loud applause but for the hush of awe they inspire.
Stepping into Cinema: An Unexpected Triumph
Priyanka Gope made her debut as a playback singer in 2014 with the film Nekabborer Mohaproyan. The following year, in 2015, she lent her voice to the film Anil Bagchir Ekdin, based on a story by Humayun Ahmed. For her performance in this film, she received the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 2015. Remarkably, this was her very first work in the film industry, yet she won the highest honor with her debut. That same year, her song “Bohudin Por” from the film Ghasful also gained popularity among listeners.
Awards and Accolades: The Harmony of Recognition
Priyanka Gope has earned numerous accolades for her musical talent. Her achievements include—
the National Film Award, RTV Award, Channel i Award (four times), the Acharya Uday Bhushan Memorial Award from Rabindra Bharati University, First Prize in Nazrul Sangeet and Thumri, and Second Prize in Khayal from the West Bengal State Music Academy (2004), Champion in Thumri and Khayal at the Dover Lane Music Conference (2008), First Prize at the Bangladesh National Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad (2000), Gold Medal in Nazrul Sangeet at the National Education Week (2001), along with numerous other awards from various private organizations.
Educator, Leader, and Cultural Custodian
Beyond the stage, Priyanka Gope plays a vital role as an academic and educator. Currently serving as the Chairperson of the Department of Music at the University of Dhaka, she nurtures the next generation of musicians with the same discipline and humility that define her own journey. Her published albums—spanning classical, Rabindra Sangeet, and semi-classical genres—stand as sonic archives for those seeking the soul of Bengali music.
A Musical Mystic in the Modern World
What sets Priyanka apart is her stillness in a noisy world. She sings not to impress, but to express. Her renditions carry a meditative essence—each note is deliberate, each pause is poignant. She is that rare artist whose music invites silence, reflection, and transcendence.
A Torchbearer of Sonic Tradition
In an era where music is often commodified, Priyanka Gope remains a guardian of purity, a torchbearer of classical legacy in Bangladesh. Her life and work remind us that true artistry is not a sprint for fame but a quiet, enduring walk toward the sublime. Through her songs, she builds bridges across generations, cultures, and hearts—embodying the very spirit of what music is meant to be.
May her voice continue to illuminate our cultural sky like a celestial raga, eternal and ever-resonant.