Timir Biswas (Bengali: তিমির বিশ্বাস; born 20 November 1982) is a playback singer, song writer, composer and the lead singer of the band Fakira. He originates from Sreepally, Asansol, West Bengal and belongs to a Bengali family.
Background
Timir was born on 20 November 1982 to parents Swapan Biswas and Sukla Biswas. His father Swapan Biswas is a theater actor and a bank employee. Timir completed his education from Subhas Pally Vidya Niketan and then joined Raghunathpur College, Purulia with economics.
Timir has never taken any formal training in music. When he was four to five years old he used to sing the ad jingles shown on television. On seeing this his mother took him to her Guruji, but Timir's singing was not encouraged. It was said that he could never sing with such a voice.
Then on the first day of college, he first sang publicly when he was asked to do so by some of his seniors. Everyone liked it. And then this became a daily routine. From then he started singing.He has learnt music by listening to songs. He used to go to many music persons with his compositions and lyrics but no one encouraged him. Then he got a chance to open a gig for a concert of Nachiketa Chakraborty. His performance was praised by Nachiketa. Then he formed and joined the band Muzik Street.After few small gigs, they got selected for Band-e-mataram. Chandrabindoo's Anindya and Upal were the mentor of Muzik Street in the event. Later Upal called up Timir to sing for the film 033. Since then, he took up music as a profession.
Career
Timir was one of the founding members of the Asansol based band Muzik Street. He initially played the keyboard, and later as a vocalist. Later he left the band and shifted to Kolkata. Muzik Street brought the band revolution in Asansol. Timir, for his unique voice got noticed by several music directors. It was during this time that he did his first solo playback under the music direction of Chandrabindoo for the song "Onnyo Kothao Chol" of the movie 033. Later he got his wide fame and popularity when under the music direction of Jeet Ganguly, he along with Rana Mazumdar sang the title track of the movie "Dui Prithibi". Thereafter he got numerous offers for playback.
After leaving Muzik Street, Timir shifted to Kolkata owing to the various offers for playback and other solo works as it was difficult for him to continue working from Asansol. There he meet with one of his friend from Asansol, guitarist, composer and a member of the band Desh, Chayan Chakraborty. Their alike interest in Folk Music led them into working more with folk songs. Gradually Abhinaba, Kunaal and the famous percussionist, drummer Bunty joined them to form the band Fakira. They are currently working with Bengali folks and has plans to work on root music round the globe.
After visiting various ashrams they have done their research in folk songs and have blended them with elements of rock. Some of their compositions has already gained immense popularity online. Some of them are Chander Gaye Chand, Nizamuddin Auliya, Tyangra, Golemale Pirit, Somoy Gele Shadhon, Bhromor Koyo Giya and many more.They have toured Bangladesh to feature in an Eid Special 4 hour long episode of Air Wick Phono Live Studio Concert in ETV. Other than this they have performed at various college fests and other notable social events. Currently they have announced on Facebook that they are working on their first album that is supposed to contain 8 tracks. Timir and Chayan have also worked for music of the 4th Bell Theaters production 15 Minutes To Fame.
Timir because of his unique quality of voice, got noted by music directors quite early. Jeet Ganguly in an interview said that Timir is the Bryan Adams of Bengal. After "onnyo kothao chol" from 033, music by Chandrabindoo and "Dui Prithibi" from Dui Prithibi, Music by Jeet Ganguly, Timir has also sung for music directors like Indradeep Dasgupta, Joy Sarkar.