Eksho Vrindavan by Nakash Aziz

Nakash Aziz has delivered memorable performances before, but Eksho Vrindavan sits comfortably among the very best. The music, composed by Indraadip Das Gupta, carries the song forward with a confidence that matches the performance.

There are singers who perform songs and singers who live inside them. On Eksho Vrindavan, Nakash Aziz clearly belongs in the second group. The connection between Ankush Hazra, Nusrat Jahan and this song is part of what makes it resonate beyond the film itself.

2016 was a strong year for Bengali music, and Eksho Vrindavan was among the reasons why. Whether it plays on a long drive, during a quiet evening at home, or through earphones on a crowded commute, the song meets the listener where they are.

At 3:34, the track does not overstay its welcome — it says what it needs to say and leaves the listener wanting more. This is music that holds up — not because it is perfect, but because it is honest, and honesty in a song is irreplaceable.