MUSICAL HOMAGE TO THE BARD

A befitting musical homage to Kazi Nazrul Islam in celebration of the National Poet's 117th birth anniversary, was a live performance of the bard's raaga-based classics coupled with the melodic essence of his Kabyageeti. On a drizzling Tuesday afternoon, the boithoki soiree was enjoyed thoroughly by music connoisseurs and Nazrul enthusiasts.

The latest installment of Star Melodies, The Daily Star's regular initiative to promote Bangla music, was held the AS Mahmud Seminar Hall of The Daily Star Centre. Both prominent and promising singers -- Subir Nandi, Yasmin Mushtari, Sheikh Jasim, Priyanka Gope and Chhanda Chakrabarty -- performed songs while noted elocutionist Shimul Mustapha, with his sonorous voice, mesmerised the audience with his recitation of a Nazrul letter on Fazilatunnessa written to Professor Qazi Motahar Hossain. The programme, however, began with a brief documentary on the recent protest by Nazrul artistes against neglect of Nazrul memorials in the capital and countrywide. Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Annisul Huq was present at the protest, and assured the artistes of taking steps in this regard.

Sadya Afreen Mallick, eminent Nazrul exponent and Star Arts and Entertainment Editor, compered the event, embellished with stories behind the composition of the featured songs.

Yasmin Mushtari

Once, no one could discover the whereabouts of Nazrul, the music director of the film “Patalpuri”. The poet had gone to Raniganj, on the outskirts of Calcutta (now Kolkata) city, to compose jhumur-ang songs adapting santal tunes for the first time in Bangla songs. One such song was 'Jhum Jhum Jhumra Nach Neche',” said Sadya Afreen Mallick.

Chhanda Chakrabarty rhythmically rendered the number in her set. She opened the soiree with “Amar Nayone Nayan Rakhi”. The singer also beautifully performed ghazal-ang song “Bulbuli Nirob Nargis Bon-e” and a raga-based number “Hey Priyo Amare Dibo Na Bhulite”.

Priyanka Gope was mellifluous in her offering of the songs -- “Naiba Pelam Amar Golaye”, “Bidaye Sandhya Ashilo Oi”, “Megher Domru” and “Shoi Bhalo Kore Binod Beni”. The accomplished artiste aptly evoked the desired moods of every song in her rendition.

The highlight of the event was the performance of renowned artiste Subir Nandi, who started off with a raaga-based classic “Chand Herichhe Chand-Mukh Taar” (Bageshree). He fondly portrayed the melody of Raaga Shyam Kalyan while rendering the song “Sedin Chhilo Ki Godhuli Lagan”. As expected, the singer enthralled the audience with his performance of two popular songs “Shawon Raat-e Jodi” and “Gobhir Nishithe Ghum Bhenge Jaye”. Subir Nandi's sensational improvisations left an impression on the audience.

Noted singer Yasmin Mushtari marvelously performed the song “Kaberi Nodi Jol-e” evoking the ecstasy of feminine grace in a close affinity with the river Kaveri. Her offering of a Pilu thumri “Poran Priyo Keno Ele Obelaye” was soothing while her presentation of a Kabyageeti “Sandhya Malati Jobe” fascinated all. She also performed the jhumur-ang song “Tepantor-er Maath-e”.

Sheikh Jasim was on a musical high in his performance as he superbly showcased the melodic game of every song he performed. Gripping the essence of the songs -- “Tomarei Ami Chahiachhi Priyo”, “More Priya Hobe Esho Rani”, “Bondhu Dekhle Tomaye” and a raaga-based classic “Pia Pia Papia Pukarey”, the artiste put his natural improvisational qualities to excellent use.

“An excellent singer with Riyaz, Awaz, Andaz.  His second number Mor Priya Hobe Esho Rani was woven in excellent intricacies and delivered with pure passion,” remarked singer Samira Abbasi about Jasim's performance.

Bishwajit Sarkar (tabla), Richard Kishore (guitar), Partha Pratim Acharya Bappy (keyboard) and Asit Biswas (esraj) embellished the performances.

Among others, Subir Nandi and Abul Hasan Chowdhury, former state minister for foreign affairs, spoke on the poet's literary and musical creations.

“The media has a great role to play in popularising Nazrul Sangeet among the younger generations. If the TV channels come forward, Nazrul's legacy can shine bright. It's because of the lack of exposure that we are not finding new Nazrul singers. Record labels should also get accomplished and popular singers to record Nazrul songs; that way, its outreach will expand further. I started off as a Nazrul Sangeet artiste, and now I am going back to the practice of our National Poet's songs. I already have a solo Nazrul album on the cards,” said Subir Nandi.