Debabrata Biswas Biography 
Debabrata Biswas was an exponent of Rabindra Sangeet from Bengal. Born in 1911 in Barishal, he later came to Kishorgonj of Mymensing district of British colonial when King George V was visiting India for the Delhi Durbar. Thus he got the nick name George, the name he carried throughout his life. He was popularly called George Biswas and also George-da. For many Rabindra Sangeet Lovers, George da is the ultimate name. He was a bachelor and an excellent cook of spicy food.
Biswas was born on August 22, 1911 in Kishoreganj, Bengal Province, British India. Now it belongs to Bangladesh. His father Sri Debendra kishore Biswas was a lawyer and his mother was Abaladevi. He didn’t receive any formal training in music in his childhood. He used to listen to Tagore’s songs since he was too young. His early gramophones released during 1940’s were the best instances for his music. His first record was published in 1933 when he was only 22. He completed MA in Economics in the year 1933. Then he became an employee of Hindusthan Insurance Company in the same year and retired from the company only in 1970.
He was associated with IPTA during early 1930’s. He was extremely popular in the group as a singer and Rabindra Sangeet expert and with the rise of 1960’s, he became the top singer of Rabindra Sangeet. He recorded both film songs as well as Rabindra sangeet. Some directions from the Visva Bharati Music Board- reduced the artistic freedom of the Rabindra Sangeet singers while singing Tagore’s songs. It forced Biswas to stop recording Rabindra Sangeet in early seventies. It was only the jealousy of a few members who created such singing rules which resulted in an early death of this singer, due to mental suppression. He released only 100 songs when he was alive and more than 500 songs were released after his death – an amazing fact indeed! Even after 30 years from his death, his records remain in supreme demand.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 27, 2014
