"The programme has been planned to chronologically present 500 years of Bangla songs -- from Vaishnava Padavali to contemporary songs. There aren't many songs on the Vaishnav Padavali and I had presented a song taught by renowned music director Abdul Ahad years ago. In the programme we have presented songs from Nidhu Babu's tappa, kirtan, popular yesteryears songs and the contemporary songs," says Hadi.

"Bangla classics such as songs by masters of the 1950s like Hemanta, Satinath Mukherjee, Shyamol Mitra, Manna De and Shandhya Mukherjee are the treasure troves of our music world," adds Hadi.

"Similarly, during the 1970s, Bangladeshi songs developed to great heights and, as such, became immensely popular even in West Bengal. Music directors Sattya Saha, Khondokar Nurul Alam, Anwar Pervez, Shubol Das, Alam Khan, Alauddin Ali and others dominated the music scene with their creativity. The young generation should be proud of our heritage," says Hadi.

The programme encourages the contemporary lyricists and upcoming singers also. Every week a duo performs solos and duets and there is a brief discussion on the history of the songs in a lighter vein to attract the viewers.

At a time when few singers give live performances, the programme presents assorted songs and has a popular viewership.

Today Shabnam Mushtari and SD Rubel will perform songs of various genres at 8.50pm.