Nazrul's love for film and theatre
'Nazrul's diversity in drama can be seen in his works for the radio and stage, and in his allegorical plays, one act play, leto drama (folk-plays), children's drama and even some dramas in Hindi and Urdu', informed Anupam. 'In the year 1931, the Rebel Poet joined the Madan Theatres Ltd. of Kolkata as a music trainer for brushing up the voices of the artistes. Later, Nazrul emerged in the filmdom as a music director. In the film Dhruba (1934) we can find him as an actor, director, singer, music director and lyricist', he continued.
'He was also associated with other motion pictures such as Patalpuri (1935), Groher Pher (1937), Vidyapati (in Bangla and Hindi, 1938), Gora (1938), Nandini (1945) and Obhinoy Noy (1945). Nearly 50 Nazrul songs were used for different pictures up to 1945. During 1929-1941 Nazrul was associated with 20 stage plays in Kolkata including his own plays, Aleya and Madhumala. Some of the other plays were Raktokamol, Mahua, Jahangir, Karagar, Sabitri, Sharbohara, Sirajuddoula, Devidurga, Annopurna, Nandini, Haraparvati, Arjunvijay and Blackout. Altogether, these plays used around 182 of Nazrul's songs', said Anupam.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Nazrul wrote over 80 plays among which 10 to 12 were of mainstream. From 1931 to 1942, he was involved with 6 to 7 theatre companies. To inspire the Muslims Nazrul, along with Sher-e-Bangla, Abbasuddin and others, formed Bengal Tiger Pictures in 1941.
In his speech, poet Abdul Mannan Syed, who presided over the discussion session, said, 'Music was the primary platform for Nazrul to associate with films and dramas. From Dhruba to Chaurangi Nazrul's involvement with the films, and especially his dramas in different languages and dialects such as Hindi and Dhakaiyaa, are remarkable.'
The programme also held with a prize-giving ceremony of painting, recitation and music competition for children. A musical evening by the students of Nazrul Institute followed.