Mahtim Shakib, the voice behind hits like “Buker Ba Pashe,” “Takey Olpo Kachhe Dakchhi,” and “Tumi Brishti Cheyechho Bole,” has been making waves in the music scene. His tracks “Pakhi Pakhi Mon” and “Megh Balika” secured consecutive victories at the Blender’s Choice – The Daily Star OTT & Digital Content Awards.
During an exclusive photoshoot and chat at The Daily Star’s office, Mahtim shared insights into his career while sipping lemon tea. Reflecting on his musical journey that began in 2018, he fondly remembered starting with covers like a Rabindranath mashup before transitioning to original songs.
Although Mahtim initially dreamed of pursuing cricket or even becoming an astronaut, his passion for music prevailed. Training under various mentors, including Ustaad Rafiq Mahmud and Fakir Arif Baul, Mahtim honed his skills in folk and dotara.
Addressing the debate on starting with covers versus originals, Mahtim emphasized the importance of paying homage to cultural classics like Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Sangeet. Despite initial skepticism, his cover songs were well-received, paving the way for his diverse musical exploration.
From folk to ghazals and contemporary genres, Mahtim’s versatility led him to his debut playback in the film “Moner Moto Manush Pailam Na.” Collaborating with renowned music directors like Arindom Bhattacharya, he ventured into the Tollywood industry with hits like “Takey Olpo Kachhe Dakchhi.”
In today’s fast-paced music landscape, Mahtim acknowledges the pressure to consistently release new content. Balancing quality and quantity, he remains committed to creating meaningful music that resonates with his audience.
For Mahtim, music transcends mere profession or hobby—it is an intrinsic part of his being. With a focus on original compositions this year, he continues to evolve as an artist, lending his voice to various films and projects.
Despite his online presence on multiple platforms for professional purposes, Mahtim values offline moments, dedicating time to meditation, exercise, and his beloved cat amidst his music-centric lifestyle. With a contract at SVF until 2027, he looks forward to exploring new horizons in music, including folk and diverse genres.
Beyond being a musician, Mahtim sees himself as a storyteller, whether through singing, writing, or directing music videos. While dispelling common misconceptions about himself—including his name pronunciation and origins—he remains grounded in his Dhaka roots and artistic pursuits.
