Poribartan (1949)

Poribartan was produced by National Progressive Productions and marks the historic moment when Salil Chowdhury entered the Bengali film industry as an independent music director. Even in this early phase, Salil’s orchestral brilliance and his instinct for blending folk, Indian classical, and Western symphonic elements were evident.

So impressed were the producers with his work that they immediately brought him on for their next film, Barjaatri, which became a major hit and cemented Salil’s place as one of Bengal’s most promising young composers.

Sadly, the songs of Poribartan were never commercially released. The gem of the soundtrack, “Aamraa Kishoredal”, continues to be admired by Salil enthusiasts for its intricate melodic lines and rhythmic experimentation — astonishing for 1949. Many believe it could have been one of Salil’s early masterpieces had it been preserved or re-recorded.