Did you know about Bob Dylan’s Kolkata connect?

Did you know about Bob Dylan’s Kolkata connect?

Robert Zimmerman, or as many would call him Bob Dylan, is an archangel when it comes to the 21^st century music. He is a pioneer of the folk blues and the country genre. For decades he has inspired many rock n roll groups, even our very own Mohiner Ghoraguli and Kabir Suman. In 2016, Dylan received a Nobel Prize for literature, for his outstanding contribution in the field of music and the poetic, yet soulful nature of his lyrics.

But did you know that Mr Tambourine Man had more of the Kolkata connect, other than Mohiner Ghoraguli and Kabir Suman?

Yes, you guessed right, Bob Dylan had indeed visited Kolkata!

It was 1990; When Bob Dylan visited Kolkata to attend the wedding of Purna Das Baul’s son. In his time in Kolkata, which was kept private. Mr Dylan lived in Dhakuria, in a three-storey building. He would often enjoy khichdi cooked by Manju Das Baul.

Dibyendu Das was elated to be in the presence of greatness, Purna Das Baul and America’s very own Baul, Bob Dylan; as he would call himself.

Both Bob Dylan and Purna Das Baul, had performed together in the Woodstock festival. Purna Das Baul had also collaborated with Mick Jagger, Bob Marley and Tina Turner.

Bob Dylan was a true artist, who realised the power of folk music, Mr Das once said.