Closeup 1 Judge Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul changed the name of ‘Tuktuk Pahar’ into ‘Shaju Pahar’ when Shaju Ahmed Sarkar performed his song ‘Bapui chanra re’ in Avijatra Round in Rangamati. This was the most memorable inspiration Shaju attained through his musical performance in the Closeup 1 competition.

His voice is perfectly suitable for folk songs. Partha Barua called him the genuine artist of folk songs when he presented songs like ‘Aaga naire’ in Selection Round, ‘Oki o bondhu kajol’ in Track Round, ‘Bapui changra re’ in Avijatra Round. Shaju got his ‘Yes Card’ in Audition round in Rangpur by singing famous folk song ‘Oki garial vai’.

The judges also gave him the complement that he knows the real style of presenting the folk songs. Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul was so moved by his performance that he said, “Ekushey February or Chhabbishe March made me feel proud, but it is you who made me feel more proud.”

In Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendro Round, he sang ‘Mora ekti phool ke’ which is not a folk song but his performance did not dishearten the judges. Shaju’s Moulik Gaan round was dramatic. He started crying after finishing his song. Judge Famida Nabi consoled him by saying that the absence of one particular person did not make any difference as the people of Bangladesh are with him.

His most memorable opportunity was his session with his lyricist Shahidullah Farayeji and composer Bari Siddique. He is a great fan of Bari Siddique, so this chance was a dream-come-true. He sang ‘Ami tomari premo bhikhari’ in Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul special round.

He wants to work on theme of Bari Siddique in future. Shaju faces a lot of difficulties in his musical life. He has no family or financial support for his music learning but he has the passion and devotion. He left his family but did not leave music. His desire is to remain in the hearts of people after his death through music.