Anil Bissembhar Force behind Karma Monday, January 3 2011
TRINIDAD NEWSDAY - By SEETA PERSAD -The Sangre Grande-based crossover band Karma has become one of the most sought after bands in the country. It boasts of producing current National Chutney Soca Monarch Ravi Bissembhar and chutney diva Nisha Bissembhar.
Behind the music and the many arrangements coming out of Karma is the boss himself, Anil Bissembhar who is the eldest of the three performers. He is the one who initiated the band Karma in 2002 and never stopped experimenting with music, until he is now well respected for his work the world over.
According to the band’s manager, Rennie Mohammed, the name Anil Bissembhar is synonymous with talent, skill, and sincere dedication to an industry which has made him an icon in Trinidad and Tobago. “He has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he has what it takes to hold the industry and make a lasting impact,” Mohammed said.
Anil, who is a very humble individual, says having been born into a family where music was the order of the day, he gravitates to nothing else but music. “I have found my calling in life. I am now in a position where I can just listen to a rhythm and immediately identify where the music originated,” he said, adding that being a musician means dedicating one’s life to the stage and this is something he believes he is born to do.
Anil Bissambhar was born in Sangre Grande and attended the Sangre Grande Hindu School. He started his musical career at the age of 13, but made sure to complete his O’ and A’ Level studies at North Eastern College. He then went on to pursue studies in broadcasting and sound engineering. After completing his studies he was qualified for the production manager’s position at 90.5fm where he worked for six years.
Anil might not be in the news as often as his siblings but his accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. He is considered one of the best rhythm players, both authentic and digital, and he paved the road for the remixed versions of Indian songs in Trinidad. To his credit, Anil holds many awards and in 1988 and 1989 he even took home the award for the youngest and most talented tabla player at the National Saaj Samelan competitions held in TT. Based on his ability he was asked to play tabla for India's renowned Charanjit Singh, who was so impressed that he requested that Anil join the entourage back in India.
Later on this gifted musician was contracted to perform alongside India's great Kumar Sanu, Anup Jaluta, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, and Usha Uthup for shows done in TT and abroad. The highlight of his career, however, was performing with one of India’s most celebrated movie producers, Ramanand Sagar.
Anil has also been the rhythm programmer for top local recording artistes, with hit songs like “Piche Kari Ho Sham”, “Payaliya”, “Lagana Bina Kaise” and many others. Many may not remember Bissembhar competing as a singer in the National Chutney Soca Monarch competition, long before the success of younger brother Ravi. Anil placed fifth in the competition in 2002.
Anil has now ventured into the world of recording and has become a very artistic sound engineer, producing the distinctive sound of Karma. He has also recently opened a state of the art recording studio.
Anil Bissembhar has become a force to reckon as a producer, engineer, singer, instrunemtalist, and has even become an inspiration to many musicians. His name stands among others and under his leadership, Karma continues to be at the top of the business.
Anil thanked his father, Teddy (deceased) and his mother Nargis Bissembhar for their love and dedication through the years.
