Soumitra Ray

Soumitra Ray is a Lead Singer, Lyricist, Composer and Percussionist of the Bangla band Bhoomi. He is a self-taught multi-talented musician Soumitra is the founder member of Bhoomi. Born into a musically accomplished family in North Bengal's Harishchandrapur village, he took to music from a tender age by accompanying traditional 'Dhaak' (shoulder-slung drums) percussionists and Kirtan artistes during festivals at home. Since his father got him a specially made pair of Bongos when he was 3 years old, Soumitra became a rhythm addict. Growing up in St. Paul's School, Darjeeling, he was the lead singer in school's reputed choir throughout. In class XI he formed his first band The Mountain Devils and began his journey in the world of entertainment. Having accompanied the stalwarts like Padma Bhushan Manna De, Geetashree Sandhya Mukherjee, Kumar Sanu and Kavita Krishnamurthy at recordings in his early years Soumitra was awarded the Sangeet Samman by the Government of West Bengal in 2013 for his contribution to Bengal's rich musical heritage. He has done playback singing in numerous Bengali movies, ad jingles and TV serials. The highlight of Soumitra's career as a vocalist came with singing the title song of the National award-winning movie Mr. and Mrs. Iyer under the music direction of Ustad Zakir Hussain. Soumitra has composed the music for the legendary theatre personality Manoj Mitra's popular play "Aschourjyo Funtosee". His latest music direction is for the Bengali movie "9 Peara Bagan Lane". Soumitra's long list of compositions includes "For A Better Day" which was gifted to the United Nations at the request of their Music Appreciation Club in 2007, following Bhoomi's highly appreciated concert at the UN Headquarters in 2006. In Bhoomi. the massive display of rhythm instruments that occupy the centre of the stage belongs to him. His range varies from the drums, thumba, bongo, madol and even the African djembe. An avid reader, he also sketches, writes and takes interest in all types of sports. Loves his camera too. Father of two music-loving sons, loves to spend time at home when possible.