Chhayanaut's musical soiree

Khayrul Anam Shakil (L) performing at the event

Shakil, general secretary and a teacher of Chhayanaut, is a favourite among Nazrul song admirers. He began with the rendition of Nohey nohey priyoi e noy aankhijol, followed by other Nazrul songs Bhoriya poran shunitechhi gaan, Keu bholey na key bholey, Mor ghumoghorey eley monohor and Kano diley e kaanta jodigo kushum diley. Of course any musical event where Nazrul songs are performed in the month of Sraban would be incomplete without Shaon-o raatey jodi. This widely performed song didn't sound overplayed as Shakil's distinct style and diction captured the melancholic mood of someone thinking of his/her long-lost beloved.

The artiste also performed a Tagore song Pothey choley jetey jetey, a song of Atul Prasad Eka mor gaaner tori bhashichhilam noyonjoley, a song of Rajnikant Modhuro shey mukh-khani kokhono ki bhola jay and a song of Himangshu Dutta Chhilo chand megher parey.

Shakil then rendered three adhunik (modern) songs. The first number, Lokey boley raag naki anurager aaina, was written by Gazi Mazharul Anwar. It was composed and originally performed by Sattya Shaha. The performance was followed by Ami atojey tomaye bhalobeshechhi and Borney gondhey chhondey geetitey hridoye diyechho dola. Shakil ended his performance with a rendition of Padmar dheurey, a request from the audience.

Fatema Tuz Zohra started her performance with a Nazrul song Gobheer nishithey ghum bhengey jai, followed by Chirodin kaharo shoman nahi jai. She then performed Ami purobo desher puronari, an all-time favourite. In fact, she sings the song with such finesse that some go so far as to say that she owns the song. Fatema also performed other Nazrul songs Tumi shundor tai cheye thaki priyo, Tomari aankhir moto akasher duti tara, Tumi laho prabhu amar shongsharer bhar and Ato jol oi kajol chokhey.

The artiste performed a song of DL Roy Aaj tomar kachhey bhashiya jai and a song written and composed by herself Amar kolpona chhilo.

Fatema rendered adhunik songs Kichhukhon aro nahoy rohitey kachhey, Tumi jey amar, folk songs Amar maijja bhai shaijja bhai, Shohag chand bodoni dhoni nachoto dekhi and Jejon premer bhaab janey na that received rounds of applause. The artiste performed a song from the movie Shutorang, Tumi ashbey boley bhalobashbey boley. The song was originally performed by Anjuman Ara Begum. Fatema fondly remembered the deceased artiste and dedicated the song to her.

Both the artistes demonstrated their versatility through songs of different genres. Tabla, mandira, violin and the acoustic guitar were good accompaniments with the songs. Although the keyboard added extra melody to some songs, it sounded out of place and loud at times. All in all, the effort was commendable.