In 2024, Joy-Lopa Express provided a distinctive musical evening; the audience was enthralled with its debut season. Now, following a two-year break, Joy-Lopa Express presented by Boroline made a comeback to Kolkata at the G.D. Birla Sabhaghar.

A distinctive musical journey, the Joy-Lopa Express passes through several stations—or musical turning points—along the way. After touring several cities before returning to Kolkata for its second season, the show made its debut in November 2024. This melody-filled express took the audience on a lovely musical journey.

Vocalist Lopamudra Mitra discussed the initiative and said, “The Joy-Lopa partnership has now spanned 29 years. Our express has been operating, albeit irregularly, for a considerable amount of time. Joy used to play the guitar on my songs, but we stopped performing together as he got busy and made a name for himself as a composer. Despite the differences in our paths, there has always been a musical bond between us; we are also very close friends. Joy doesn’t often perform on stage, but I have been doing solo shows. That’s where this concept came from. I sang songs that were set to Joy’s compositions as he performed them here. Overall, this Joy-Lopa Express was propelled forward by two engines”.

“It was through Lopamudra Mitra that I made my debut as a composer. From that perspective, I have completed 25 years in this role. For many years, I accompanied Lopamudra on stage on the guitar—something that doesn’t happen anymore. The Joy-Lopa Express was inspired by those moments, which I miss,” said Joy Sarkar.

Notable songs performed included Mon Mor Megher Sangi, De Uran, Mahutbandhu, Amar Mote, and Jao Pakhi (sung by Lopamudra Mitra); the duet Nachni Poka; and Joy Sarkar’s Feluda Theme Song, Cheye Dekho Meghera, Tomake Bhalobeshe, Khabor Dao, and Brishti Paye Paye (instrumental).

A great musical event indeed.

Priyanka Dutta