Staff Reporter –
In a moment that stirred both nostalgia and national curiosity, Rupam Islam, Bengal’s rockstar and voice of a generation, has officially launched ‘Saptapadir Gaan’ — a one-of-its-kind “Foodsical Film” — in collaboration with Kolkata’s legendary Bengali restaurant, Saptapadi.
Blending food and music into a singular, emotional art form, the 4-minute film was unveiled to a houseful of fans, food lovers, artists, and media at an intimate launch event last evening in Kolkata. ‘Saptapadir Gaan’, which literally translates to The Song of Saptapadi, is a heartwarming ode to Bengal’s most enduring passions — authentic cuisine and soul-touching music.
This is the first time Rupam Islam — known for his progressive Bengali rock anthems — has written, composed, sung, and appeared in a project that centers around food. And not just any food, but the grand and emotional universe of Bengali cuisine.
“Food, for Bengalis, is a sacred emotion. It’s part of our childhood, our rituals, our joys, our heartbreaks. This collaboration allowed me to sing about memories, about smells from the kitchen, about love served in a bowl of shorshe ilish. It was deeply personal,” said Rupam Islam, addressing the audience during the launch.
The Composition
Rupam’s signature melodious rock is woven seamlessly with the sounds of Bengal’s musical heritage — including tabla, harmonium, and classical rhythms. The soundscape beautifully reflects Bengal’s timeless cultural sensibilities while still remaining unmistakably Rupam.
The lyrics, penned by Rupam himself, highlight traditional dishes like Kosha Mangsho, Shorshe Ilish, Aloo Posto, Chingri Malai Curry, and Mishti Doi, turning each dish into a lyrical metaphor for joy, belonging, and community. But the song doesn’t stop at the plate — it also elevates the role of food as a celebratory language in modern Bengali life, be it festivals, homecomings, or everyday togetherness.
The Visual Story
The short film captures Rupam Islam not only as a singer but as a narrator, walking through the nostalgic visuals of Saptapadi’s lounge spaces, and celebrations. Every frame is drenched in colour, aroma, and emotion — from steaming rice being served with a topping of aloo Posto to the guest’s plate, to the service of fish fry, to the rhythm of cooking that matches the beat of the music.
Saptapadi’s team, known for keeping Bengali culinary traditions alive while celebrating modernity, sees the film as a cultural milestone.
“We always believed food tells a story. With Rupam da, that story found its music. Saptapadir Gaan is not an ad — it’s a celebration of who we are as Bengalis,” said the founders of Saptapadi Restaurant.
A New Genre Is Born: The Foodsical
This collaboration marks the beginning of a new genre in brand storytelling — the Foodsical, where food becomes music, and music becomes memory. With Saptapadir Gaan, the lines between advertising, art, tradition, and innovation blur beautifully, creating an emotional experience that resonates across generations.
Watch the Film
‘Saptapadir Gaan’ is now live on YouTube, Instagram, and all leading streaming platforms. Already being hailed as a cultural moment in Bengal’s music and culinary narrative, the film is poised to go viral among Rupam fans and Bengali diaspora worldwide.
