Ayushman Basu & Arjun Ghoshal’s single “Dukkher Kotha” is a journey of how negative instances becomes stories to relive upon.
Tell us about your track
This song is the first hip-hop track from Kolkata-based artists Ayushman Basu and Arjun Ghoshal. The song talks about the negative life experiences which turn into sad stories as time passes. Hence, the name “Dukkher Kotha” which means “sad stories” in Bengali. The bars describe various scenarios from Ayushman’s life spanning from childhood and then, during his journey towards adulthood. Major parts of the song are written in Bengali as many of the stories mentioned in the song, took place in Ayushman and Arjun’s hometown of Kolkata which gives the track a massive relatability. Although the track talks about the darker parts of one’s life, it also provides a ray of hope by showcasing that despite the pain, people wake up each day to face the world every morning. “Dukkher Kotha” is an ode to the people and their tryst with pain; it’s a song which says that these stories deserve to be spoken out loud.
Tell us your inspiration behind this track
There are many phases in one’s life which have a massive impact. The aftereffects of such experiences can be felt for years. This song is about some of those experiences which I had. I believe that the tough times does make a person stronger, but before they can get to that point, they have to endure a lot. This song is about that endurance.
How long did it take to record the track \album \EP ?
It took one day. I went to Arjun’s place in the morning. I was already ready as I had been rapping this song since the time I wrote it in around 2018 or 2019, don’t remember correctly. Arjun is someone who can decipher lyrics and just flawlessly understands what music can accompany the words. I sent him a recording of me rapping the song before and on the day of the recording, he already had made a few beat samples which simply blew me away. We chose one of those beats and I went on the mic and did my thing, and that’s it.
What is the meaning behind the lyrics?
The lyrics are pretty much direct descriptions of the feelings I felt the situations I faced. There aren’t many layers as I wanted to be pretty direct. The bars are divided between English and my mother-tongue Bengali. I particularly wrote in Bengali as I wanted to retain my culture with this song. I have been outside Kolkata for a long time and hence wanted to get back to my roots with this song. Also for me, there is a totally different level of clarity and comfort in Bengali.
What brings next after this release?
There is another song in the pipeline, but I don’t know when I will be releasing it. I want to release music when I feel like rather than releasing them because I have to. So let’s see.