A Facebook live show pays tribute to music legend Anup Bhattacharjee

Paying tribute to Bangladeshi music legend Anup Bhattacharjee, a live show took place on Facebook on May 2. Eminent artistes Rafiqul Alam and Timir Nandi of Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (SBBK), participated in the show as guests. London-based cultural activist and PhD researcher at Anglia Ruskin University Ashim Chakraborty arranged the live show, where Trisha Bhattacharjee and Baishakhi Bhattacharjee, daughters of Anup Bhattacharjee, were also present.

Anup Bhattacharjee started off in music as an exceptional singer of Rabindra Sangeet in the early 60s. He expanded his repertoire by singing songs of Kazi Nazrul Islam, Lalon Shah, Radharaman, Atulprasad Sen, Rajanikanta Sen and Ramprasad over the years. Radharaman's Bhromor Koiyo Giya, found a footing in Bangladesh's musical arena, after Anup sang it in his album, featuring songs of traditional Baul singers.

Rafiqul Alam Photos: Star

Exploring the major streams in the world of our music, Anup realised early on that melody and clarity in the throwing of textual content are essential elements for Bangla songs. With his rich vocal experience from traditional songs, strengthened with the practice of classical music, the singer went on to become an immensely talented composer and music director for modern and Baul music.

During the chat, the guests reminisced the glorious past of our Liberation War and the golden era of Bangla music. Timir Nandi recalled his memories of participating as a singer at the SBBK with Anup Bhattacharjee. He also shared some of his fond memories with the music guru.

Timir Nandi

Rafiqul Alam, a disciple of Anup Bhattacharjee, termed the 60s as the golden era of Bangla songs. He also enquired of the state of the current practices of Bangla music abroad. The artiste also sang several songs, including the Anup Bhattacharjee composition, Baishakhi Megh-er Kachhe, at the programme. 

Trisha Bhattacharjee

Moreover, Trisha Bhattacharjee performed several songs, including the Mitali Mukherjee song, Sukh Pakhire, written and composed by Mohammad Rafiquzzaman and Anup Bhattacharjee, respectively. Baishakhi, who also performed songs at the show, requested Rafiqul Alam to sing the song, Akashey Megher Khela. Rafiqul Alam also presented the rock number, Eki Khela Cholchhe Hordom, penned and composed by Sheikh Sadi Khan and Munshi Wadud. Joining the show a bit later, Anup Bhattacharjee surprised everyone by presenting one of his latest songs. Numerous viewers of the show requested the featured artistes to sing some of their favourite songs.