Tribute to the legend

On the occasion of the 104th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the Nazrul Sangeet Parishad organised a two day event, where the packed audience enjoyed Nazrul songs rendered by both prominent and promising artistes of the country. This comprised many Nazrul lovers amongst the audience and also performers, namely Shaheen Samad, Rebecca Sultana,Nashid Kamal, Ferdous Ara, Fatematuz Zohra, Khil Khil Kazi and many others. The event was divided in two parts, portraying one on the 22nd of May and the last bit on the next day.

Both the days were filled with words of love, remembrances and the sweet memories regarding the great poet. The Late Nilufer Yasmin, who will undoubtedly live forever in the hearts of all, was also remembered fondly as one of her songs were played filling the silent auditorium with her firm yet soft and smooth voice. It was a tearful moment for many of the performers, who were still trying to face the fact that the 'rasping- silky' voiced lady, is no more.

After a verse from the Holy Quran, Nashid Kamal took the floor to lead the way, and up came enthusiastic singers and performers on stage. There were many famous faces amongst the performers, whose voices filled the musty and hot auditorium. It was a wonderful sight to see the audience, sweating away in the heat, yet not moving an inch from their seats, afraid to lose their melodic reverie.

Eminent Nazrul song performers were seen enjoying with the younger ones in the hall. Awards were handed over to these artistes as a token of love and gratitude by the parishad. Julhasuddin Ahmed received the award from Muntarin Mahal, Ferdousi Rahman received hers from Rebecca Sultana, Abdus Sattar received his award from Rounak Ara Russel and Leena Taposhi Khan handed the award to Khaled Hussain.

The event was organised to enhance the ever green music of Kazi Nazrul Islam, to remember him and also to pay due respects to all those who had been disciples of the great poet right from the beginning and also to remind the coming generations of his love towards Almighty, culture, the delicacies and intricacies evident in his music, and also the simplicity and originality he possessed all through out his life.

The programme marks the coming together of almost all major Nazrul artistes of the country. The Nazrul artistes have been striving to form an association, through which to voice their demands and promote the neglected feild of the songs of our National poet. Nazrul Sangeet Shilpi Shangstha had started with the initiative of Feroza Begum. Later, recently deceased Nilufer Yasmin took its charge. But few activities took place under its banner in recent times. The programme organised by the Nazrul artistes stands out as a hope for the lovers of Nazrul Islam in the country.