Musical programme on rain at Bengal Shilpalaya ends

Sumona Bardhan (Left) and Azizur Rahman Tuhin perform at the programme

Be it torrential rain, drizzle or the looming dark clouds -- Borsha stirs up an array of emotions. Perhaps, it's our heritage of innumerable songs and poems involving rain that work as catalysts. Rain creates a sense of isolation that often metamorphoses the 'not so perceptive' among us, even if temporarily.

A three-day musical programme titled Badol Diner Gaan at Bengal Shilpalaya to celebrate Borsha, was a treat for Dhakaiites. The programme ended on July 17 with artistes performing songs of Nazrul, Atul Prasad, DL Roy and Rajnikant (songs of the latter three are commonly known as teen kobir gaan).

Elora Ahmed Shukla was the first performer. Accompanied by the tabla, mandira, violin and keyboard, Elora rendered Badol-o jhumjhuma boley, Jol boley chol and Ke go gahiley pothey. Her performance of teen kobir gaan was, however, somewhat monotonous. Noted Tagore singer Mita Haq was on the harmonium.

Sharmin Shathi Islam rendered an Atul Prasad song, Borosha aailo oi ghonoghorey, followed by Neend nahi aankhipatey. The latter, a DL Roy classic, performed without tabla and mandira, received a warm response from the audience. The artiste ended her performance with a Nazrul Sangeet, Rumjhum-o rumjhum ke elo nupur paye.

Azizur Rahman Tuhin sang Srabon-o jhula tey, Amon-o badol-e tumi kotha, Aji tomar kachhey bhashia jaye ontor amar and Kobey e trishito moru.

Sumona Bardhan was next. The artiste rendered three Nazrul songs -- Ajhor dhara-e borsha jhorey, Bondhu phiria esho and Tomar amar eijey biroho. Pining for a beloved one, solitude, mourning, lost love and pondering bygone opportunities -- Nazrul's interpretation of complex emotions in his 'rain songs' remain unmatched. Sumona also performed Abar tui bandhli basha, an Atul Prasad song. The artiste whose vocals reminds one of refreshing 'Sandhya Mukherjee lilt' received rounds of applause from the audience.

The last singer of the evening was Naseema Shaheen. Perhaps the artiste was feeling a little under the weather, as her vocal organs did not seem to fully cooperate. After a shaky start, Naseema's rendition did seem to liven up. The singer performed Nazrul songs -- Deep nibhiachhey jhorey, abar ki elorey badol, Porodeshi megh and Shanjher pakhira phirilo kula-e.

A packed venue indicated that classic Bengali 'rain songs' still appeal to music enthusiasts. Getting drenched in the monsoon or staying indoors, enjoying the rhythm of trickles -- songs about rain continue to be tied in with our innermost emotions.