Anirban Bhattacharya’s Band Hooligaanism Turns Up the Volume on Politics

Bengali actor Anirban Bhattacharya has been known for his sharp performances on stage and screen, but this time it’s his music that’s sparking conversations. His band Hooligaanism unravelled a track that aims at Bengal’s messy political landscape. The lyrics mock party-switching leaders, exaggerated nationalism and even the bizarre headlines that pop up around stray dogs or pet registration rules. One provocative line, asking “What lies beneath the mosque?”, is already being debated across tea shops and social media feeds.

What More Did The Song Convey

This song is an act of courage because it clearly mentions ‘the three reputed Ghosh of Bengal’ including Kunal Ghosh from the ruling party. The song hasn’t been released officially on YouTube yet as it was performed in a live event held in Kolkata. The band didn’t forget to explore serious issues like the hassles regarding the SIR and RG Kar Rape case through the song ‘Tumi Mosti Korbe Jani’. 

Meet the Band Behind the Noise

Hooligaanism isn’t just Anirban’s side hustle but a nine-piece outfit packed with talent. Alongside him are Subhadeep Guha and Debraj Bhattacharya steering the sound, with Krishanu Ghosh, Sushruta Goswami, Nilanshuk Dutta, Pritam Das, Pritam Deb Sarkar and Someswar Bhattacharya filling out the lineup. Earlier this year they released “Melar Gaan,” a nostalgic track about childhood fairs and rural Bengal. That song showed a softer, more reflective side, but their latest work proves the band isn’t afraid to get political. Word is, five more songs are lined up for release soon.

Anirban Bhattacharya: From Stage to Studio

For those who know him mainly as an actor, this foray into music isn’t a random experiment. Anirban has always had an ear for rhythm and a sharp pen for words. On screen, he’s been busy too, playing a quirky scientist in Pokkhirajer Dim and leading the supernatural drama Bhog on Hoichoi, directed by Parambrata Chattopadhyay. Both roles earned him praise for how naturally he shifts between intensity and humour, something that clearly carries into his music as well. Anirban was also seen opposite Rani Mukherjee in Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway, for which he received wide appreciation. 

Why The Song Went Viral Overnight

Hooligaanism’s new track isn’t just another protest song, it feels like a snapshot of today’s Bengal and India, delivered with wit and energy. And Anirban, already a household name in theatre and film, has now positioned himself as one of the most intriguing musicians in Bengali music, alongside Debraj Bhattacharya, the co-vocalist of this song.