Anusheh Anadil – Slow Revolution

Show notes

In this episode of Long Take: Life as an Artist, we meet Anusheh Anadil — musician, artist, cultural activist, and social entrepreneur from Bangladesh. She was the lead singer of the band Bangla, which rose to immense popularity in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. The group revolutionized popular culture by bringing traditional spiritual folk songs - especially those inspired by the philosophy of Fakir Lalon Shai - to urban youth. Tune in now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform!

Anusheh’s music blends folk traditions with themes of feminism, freedom, spirituality, and social revolution. As a cultural activist, she founded Jatra Bangladesh, a creative hub that promotes Bangladeshi arts, crafts, and folk music. Through her work, Anusheh advocates for cultural revival, women’s empowerment, social activism, and reconnecting with roots through music and art.

In this interview, she reflects on her family’s involvement in the Bangladesh Liberation War and in the country’s artistic scene. She also talks about her personal journey of leaving behind heroin and city life. She recalls how Kingkortobbobimuro (2002), the debut album by Bangla, became a nationwide success while she was still in rehab. Anusheh emphasizes her belief that nature should not be treated as a commodity, and she dreams of singing songs that could grow flowers, nurture trees, or cleanse rivers.

A Podcast by Norient

Host: Thomas Burkhalter
Sound: Daniel Jakob, Melodies In My Head
Mix and Mastering: Daniel Jakob
Graphic Design (Cover): Pamuditha Zen Anjana
Editorial support: The Norient team + Rebecca Favale
Support in Dhaka: Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurbo
Funding: Pro Helvetia, srks Stiftung für Radio und Kultur Schweiz, SWISSPERFORM

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For a more experimental listening experience, check out the highly produced podcast TIMEZONES on Norient. You can also explore Burkhalter’s latest project, Melodies In My Head, where interview excerpts are transformed into song lyrics.