Nazrul Convention '05

Feroza Begum showered with petals by children at the event. PHOTO: STAR

The event was inaugurated by Moudud Ahmed, Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. After the Chief guest's speech, the special guest at the event, Ahmed Nazir, Director General, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy also spoke on the occasion.

Feroza Begum, one of the pioneers among Nazrul artistes, conveyed her gratitude and her reaction through her speech.

She said, "Today is not my day. Besides, I don't have much to say either. When I started my venture in the world of music, I didn't realise I'd be blessed with the magnitude of love and affection that has come my way.

"Today I'm being revered by the masses, but this achievement is not solely mine. This is Nazrul's triumph. I dedicate this salutation and this liturgy to Nazrul.

"My tumultuous musical journey wouldn't have been possible without two individuals. One is Chitta Ray and the other is my soulmate, my husband Kamol Das Gupta. Without him, my existence would be incomplete.

"I truly and passionately hope that Nazrul sangeet will be practiced more widely and would reach a new zenith of popularity."

A musical soiree by both renowned and emerging Nazrul artistes from different parts of the country followed. Nazrul songs, immortalised by Feroza Begum were performed at the event and the artistes shared their feelings attached to the songs or nostalgically reminisced on their association with Feroza Begum.

Khalid Hossain, teacher of Nazrul Academy shared, "I cannot think of anyone who has not appreciated Feroza Apa's songs." He rendered Agun jalatey ashini, Eshechi deyali jalatey.

Shahidul Islam Khan from Dinajpur performed a song on rain based on Raag Jay-Jayanti, Shojol haowa kendey bedaye. Sharmin Shathi Islam presented a very moving performance of Money podey aaj shey kon jonomey.

S M Salim Akhter from Rajshahi, reminisced how his parents used to hum the song Mora aar jonomey hongsho mithun chilam. His mother had requested him to perform the song at the event.

Hafiza Sharmin Shumi skillfully rendered a complex Shyama Sangeet, Shyama naamer laglo agun amar deher dhoopkathitey.

National Poet's granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi paid her tribute by singing Amar bhubon kaan petey roy. Shuborno Kazi, a member of the Kazi family from Churuliya, India, rendered the popular song Mor priya hobey esho rani.

Prominent artiste Fatema Tuz Zohra recalled how she used to listen to Feroza Begum's songs secretly, as her parents didn't want any diversion in her studies. She performed a song taught by none other than Feroza Begum. The song Ami purob desher puro nari was received with a round of applause. Popular artiste Nashid Kamal recalled her upbringing with Feroza Begum's songs and rendered Deep nibhiachey jhodey. Ferdous Ara wowed the audience with her vivacious performance of Chomkey chomkey dheer bhiru paye pollibalika bonopothey jaye.

The evening ended, leaving the audience craving for more.