TBT REPORT
Acclaimed and popular tabla player Showpan Kumar Das continues to stay active across television, stage performances at home and abroad, and studio recordings. Known for his versatility, he has built a strong reputation in both classical and contemporary music circles.
Born in Brahmanbaria, Showpan grew up in Dhaka, where his musical journey began at an early age under the guidance of his father. He later received formal training in classical tabla from Ustad Dolon Sing Roy.
In 1996, he began working alongside noted sitar maestro Ustad Khurshed Khan, encouraged by Ustad Yasin Khan and Ustad Karim Shahabuddin, marking a significant step in his professional career.
He has performed classical music at the Bengal Foundation with renowned sitarist Professor Fowzia Akhter Rimi. He also shared the stage with sarod player Ustad Yusuf Khan, further expanding his classical repertoire.
From 2000 to 2006, Showpan performed regularly on international stages, including in countries such as Singapore, Dubai, India, and Oman.
In Bangladesh, he continues to work with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and Bangladesh Television, collaborating with many distinguished artists.
In the audio industry, he has worked with prominent music directors such as Sheikh Sadi Khan and Monsur Ali, among others. Over the years, he has accompanied a wide range of celebrated performers, including Abdul Jabbar, Subir Nandi, Syed Abdul Hadi, Sabina Yasmin, Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, Kumar Sanu, Mitali Mukherjee, Asif Akbar, Shakila Zafar, and many others.
Reflecting on his journey, Showpan Kumar Das said music has always been part of his family tradition. “I learned tabla from my father, and music runs in my blood. I want to stay connected to music for as long as I live,” he said.
