Ahmed Hasan Sunny: The Musical Muse of Youngsters in Bangladesh

November 4, 2023

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In the vibrant and ever-evolving soundscape of Bangladesh’s music industry, one name has been consistently resonating with the country’s youth—Ahmed Hasan Sunny A true artist at heart, Sunny has captivated audiences with his poetic lyrics, soulful compositions, and a vision that extends beyond just music. Rising from a modest upbringing in Dhaka to becoming a youth icon, Sunny’s story is filled with self-discovery, creative rebellion, and artistic transformation. In this exclusive interview with TINDS, Sunny opens up about his journey, challenges, and dreams.

What’s Inside

TINDS: Where were you born, and what was your childhood like?
TINDS: Which three words best describe you?
TINDS: What sparked your interest in music?
TINDS: When did your musical journey officially begin?
TINDS: How many instruments can you play?
TINDS: How challenging is it to pursue art in a Bangladeshi family?
TINDS: Apart from music, what other creative paths are you exploring?
TINDS: How was your experience acting in the web series ‘Kaiser’?
TINDS: Which of your songs is closest to your heart?
TINDS: Who is your all-time favorite musician?
TINDS: Who in the Bangladeshi music industry inspires you the most?
TINDS: What kind of struggles have shaped your artistic path?
TINDS: What’s your creative philosophy as an artist?
TINDS: What advice would you give to young musicians?
TINDS: Where can fans find and follow your work?

TINDS: Where were you born, and what was your childhood like?

Sunny: I was born and raised in Elephant Road, Dhaka. My childhood revolved mostly around our colony. Life felt small and confined back then, and I didn’t quite realize how chaotic Dhaka really was until I grew up. It was a unique upbringing—simple but filled with imaginative possibilities.

Ahmed Hasan Sunny: The Musical Muse of Youngsters in Bangladesh

TINDS: Which three words best describe you?

Sunny: Artist, dreamer, visionary.

TINDS: What sparked your interest in music?

Sunny: Ironically, my journey began with a shortcoming. I admired my uncles who sang and played guitar in places like Dhanmondi Lake. I wanted to join in, but every time I tried to sing others’ songs, I felt I was ruining them. People mocked me. So, one day I decided to write and sing my own songs—no judgment, no comparisons. That decision shaped my future.

TINDS: When did your musical journey officially begin?

Sunny: During my SSC days, I was part of a metal band. Although that phase didn’t last, it introduced me to performance. Eventually, I moved away from metal and found inspiration through writers and singers who helped me discover that creating original music was more rewarding than reproducing someone else’s work.

TINDS: How many instruments can you play?

Sunny: Not many. I see myself more as a poet than a musician. Truthfully, I always wanted to be a poet. Music became my medium because poetry didn’t seem accessible or viable at the time.

TINDS: How challenging is it to pursue art in a Bangladeshi family?

Sunny: Very. It’s a constant struggle because our families often lack role models who succeeded in creative careers. That uncertainty makes them cautious. I’ve had countless arguments and even ran away from home multiple times. My father was skeptical, but now he’s proud. The more we succeed, the easier it will become for future generations to pursue their passions.

TINDS: Apart from music, what other creative paths are you exploring?

Sunny: I always dreamed of becoming a filmmaker. I studied photography and now make advertisements, which feels like my own film school. If I weren’t doing this professionally, I’d still be roaming around with a handcam shooting videos out of sheer passion.

TINDS: How was your experience acting in the web series ‘Kaiser’?

Sunny: Acting was terrifying. I’m used to being behind the camera, directing others. But I agreed to the role because of my friends. Despite being nervous, I gave it my all. Surprisingly, we didn’t need many retakes. I even asked for extra takes just to improve my scenes. It was challenging but insightful.

TINDS: Which of your songs is closest to your heart?

Sunny: ‘E Hridoy’ and ‘Tumi Ki Jante’. Both are deeply personal and reflect emotions I’ve experienced first-hand.

TINDS: Who is your all-time favorite musician?

Sunny: Bob Dylan. I listen to him first thing in the morning. His songs have helped me through heartbreaks, philosophical crises, and moments of deep reflection. When he won the Nobel Prize, I felt as though a relative of mine had won it.

TINDS: Who in the Bangladeshi music industry inspires you the most?

Sunny: Bassbaba Sumon. Once, he commented on one of my posts with Anjan Dutt, calling us “two of my favorite songwriters.” It felt surreal. Meeting him during a project was a milestone. He’s incredibly kind and deeply inspiring.

TINDS: What kind of struggles have shaped your artistic path?

Sunny: Struggles are universal for dreamers. Mine included financial challenges, mental fatigue, familial restrictions, and the fear of failure. It’s not about avoiding the obstacles but learning how to keep moving despite them. I think of it like skiing through a forest—if you focus on the trees, you crash. You have to keep your eyes on the path.

TINDS: What’s your creative philosophy as an artist?

Sunny: Originality might be a myth, but authenticity is everything. Be honest with yourself. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel—just make sure your work reflects who you are.

TINDS: What advice would you give to young musicians?

Sunny: Be unapologetically yourself. Don’t try to imitate others, because their identity is already taken. Embrace your own voice. That’s where the real power lies.