Projecting passion through performance
Born in a culturally weathered family, Yasmin Mushtari has had access to the world of melody right from her childhood. Her father, Talim Hossain, was a poet himself, and had dedicated many of his works on the Rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Naturally Nazrul Sangeet was a very common phenomenon in the family. 'Apart from Nazrul Sangeet, there would also be regular soirees of classical music in our house,' recalls Yasmin. As a result Yasmin's sense of music has had a strong classical base.
Besides these family soirees, often renowned musical personalities like Mehedi Hassan used to visit 'our house, when we used to have brief talim from them', says Yasmin.'
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. 'It was my father, of course, who had influenced me into Nazrul Sangeet' says Yasmin. She is apparently proud of her father. In fact, it was poet Talim Hossin's endeavour that has later realised into the foundation of the Nazrul Academy, the first such institution on the National poet in the country.
Regarding the practice of Nazrul's works in the country Yasmin is very optimistic. 'Previously Nazrul Sangeet had limited audience', she says, 'but gradually the scenario has changed.' Emergence of many new singers and increase in research of Nazrul's music and other works has brought about this change, she opines.
'The presentation of Nazrul Sangeet is also another important factor in this regard. Introduction of modern musical instruments in the orchestration of Nazrul Sangeet has created a great impact on the nature of the genre's music. Also, there is the visual effect: music videos have been made on Nazrul Sangeet, which must have contributed to its popularity.'
Besides Nazrul Sangeet, Yasmin Mushtari also performs other genres of music, especially the modern Bangla songs. Recently, an album has been released titled Cheye Dekhona. 'I have really enjoyed working on the album,' she says. However, it is Nazrul Sangeet that Yasmin Mushtari always wants to go on with.