Both Bengals are grappling with intense periods of unrest. While the political events unfolding in these two lands may not align directly, they share one significant commonality: distrust.

Made 91 years ago, “Dhruva” (1934) is the sole film Kazi Nazrul Islam directed—co-helmed with Satyendranath Dey—and is widely noted in Bengali cinema history for placing the national poet behind the camera as both director and actor.

In commemoration of the 49th death anniversary of the legendary rebellious poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, filmmaker Chayanika Chowdhury shared details about her musical film “Shanjher Anchole”.

That night in December 1921, while his comrade Muzaffar Ahmed slept, Nazrul scribbled furiously. By the morning, the air was charged with something new. “Bolo Bir, Chiro Unnoto Momo Sheer…” (“I am the Rebel Eternal, / I raise my head beyond this world, / High, ever erect and alone!”) he declared. It was not merely the birth of a poem but of a cultural rupture. Critics would later see in “Bidrohi” a break from the ‘Rabindric’ serenity that had long defined Bengal’s literary landscape—a new current of words forged in fire, laced with the clang of rebellion.

A new telefilm titled “Priyo Emon Raat”, inspired by a timeless song of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, is set to premiere on Channel i. The production draws from Nazrul’s much-loved romantic song “Priyo Emon Raat Jeno Jai Na Britha”, which continues to resonate with audiences across generations.

At first glance, a sigh escapes almost involuntarily.

The first “Nazrul Rock Concert 2025” took place last evening, marking the launch of a new album by the Nazrul Institute. As part of this initiative, the institute has released 10 songs of rebellion and awakening by National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, reimagined and performed by 10 different Bangladeshi bands.

To commemorate the 126th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the National Poet of Bangladesh, the cultural platform Gems of Nazrul hosted a musical tribute titled “Ontorey Tumi Acho Chirodin” this evening. The event brought together prominent Nazrul exponents and emerging voices to celebrate the poet’s diverse musical repertoire and reflect on his unparalleled contributions to Bengali music.

Departing from the usual commemorative fare of patriotic or devotional pieces, the concert spotlighted Nazrul’s lesser-explored work in the thumri genre, revealing his artistic range as a composer unafraid to traverse genres and expand musical language. Both celebrated vocalists and promising young talents took the stage, honouring the legacy while pushing it forward.

Today marks the 126th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet of Bangladesh. A powerful force in Bengali literature and culture, Nazrul's fiery words, revolutionary spirit, and undying call for equality continue to resonate in the hearts of millions. In honour of his life and legacy, a vibrant array of nationwide events and television programmes has been organised, celebrating Nazrul’s timeless contribution.

Creative blocks mirror nature’s barren phases, yet chaos and stillness birth inspiration. True creativity resists control, flowing from instinct and emotion. In its wild, sacred moments, we connect deeply—with self, soul, and the art of becoming.

The mind craves to fly far away. / In the guise of a beggar, eyes wet with tears

In tribute to National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s birth anniversary, a new album titled “The Nazrul Tapes—Reflected by Jahid Nirob” reimagines four of his classic songs. Musician Jahid Nirob has infused the timeless compositions with modern arrangements, blending electronic elements to reinterpret Nazrul’s works through a contemporary lens.

Notable Indian artistes participating in this event include Shreeradha Bandyopadhyay, Manomay Bhattacharya, Pandit Tushar Dutta, Brajeswar Mukherjee, and Payel Kar. Among the distinguished Bangladeshi artistes lending their voices to this initiative are Yakub Ali Khan, Khairul Anam Shakil, Ferdous Ara, Nashid Kamal, and Yasmin Mushtari.

The album is being produced under the supervision of the Kabi Nazrul Institute. According to Latiful Islam Shibli, the institute's executive director and a renowned writer and lyricist, the album will feature performances by 20 leading bands from the country and is expected to be released within the next six months.

The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) of the Indian High Commission organised a musical evening dedicated to Shyama Sangeet by Kazi Nazrul Islam. The event took place yesterday afternoon.

The question here should be: Why does the nationality of the poet matter if the sentiment and emotional dimensions are the central focus that keeps the dynamic of a national anthem active?

Eternity collapses at the wheel of change. / Past is lost

If such writers lived in, and contributed to the literary legacy of, other countries, I will offer a compromise and propose a hyphenated identity.

A film about the national poet of Bangladesh is currently being produced in West Bengal. Tollywood producer Abdul Alim is behind the project, which is titled “Kazi Nazrul Islam”.