Timir Biswas (; born 20 November 1982) is an Indian playback singer of both Bengali and Hindi films . He also the lead singer of the band Fakira. He originates from Sreepally, Asansol, West Bengal and belongs to a Bengali family.
Early life
Timir was born on 20 November 1982 to parents Swapan Biswas and Sukla Biswas. His father Swapan Biswas is a theatre 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.
Muzik Street
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.
Fakira
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 met 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.
The current line up is :
Timir Biswas: Vocals and Keyboard
Chayan Chakraborty: Guitar and Backing Vocals
Apurba Das: Guitar
Kunaal Biswas: Bass and Backing Vocals
Avirup Das (Bunty): Drums and Percussion
After visiting various ashrams and akhras they have started their research in folk songs and have blended them with elements of rock. Some of their folk arrangements has already gained immense popularity online. Some of them are Chander Gaye Chand, Nizamuddin Auliya, Tyangra, Golemale Pirit, Somoy Gele Shadhon, and Bhromor Koyo Giya. 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. Timir, Chayan and Abhinaba have also worked for music of the 4th Bell Theaters production 15 Minutes To Fame & Nobel Chor. In 2013 October, Fakira went international and performed at Hartford, Columbus, Tampa and Chicago.
In July 2015, Fakira featured in Caller Gaan in Desh TV, a popular TV channel of Bangladesh.
Itorpona
Fakira released their debut album Itorpona on 6 September 2014 at Story, Elgin Road, Kolkata marked by the gracious presence of Sayani Datta, Sujoyprasad Chattopadhyay, Satrajit Sen, Aakash Fakir and Armaan Fakir. The album released under the banner of Inreco and Major 7th consists of 8 tracks written by Lalon Fakir, Radharomon, Hasan and others. The song titled Somoy Gele Shadhon is a tribute to Pink Floyd and is a bridge between Lalon and Pink Floyd. Itorpona has won the Special Jury Award in Mirchi Music Awards Bangla, 2015. The album contains the following tracks: Bhromor Koyo Giya Paal Tule De Itorpona Somoy Gele Shadhon Chander Gaye Chand Legeche Nizammuddin Auliya Opaar Sob Loke Koy Lalon