Nazrul in Comilla and Trishal
Documentary on the poet
Cultural Correspondent
Our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam travelled far and wide in Bangladesh during his lifetime. Nazrul Institute has made a series of documentaries on the places that were significant to Nazrul. Comilla-e Nazrul and Trishal-e Nazrul are two such documentaries, which focus on the influence of different places and different phases in the development of Nazrul as a poet. "Nazrul is an inseparable part of Bangladesh. Extensive studies and research on the poet are a must for our nation. The need for Nazrul's audio-visual representation has become the call of the time. Keeping this in mind, Nazrul Institute has taken the initiative to make the documentaries," says Khil Khil Kazi, the granddaughter of the poet, providing the rationale for the making of the documentaries. Trishal in Mymensingh district held a special place in Nazrul's life. As an orphan he found food, education and a home in Trishal. He came to Trishal in 1914 and stayed there for two years. The profound influence of those years is revealed in a letter written in 1926, "Mymensingh is not alien to me. I have innumerable debts to Mymensingh... I wish I could enhance my soul in the company of the liberal people here." Rebel and lover, the intermingling of the dual aspects of Nazrul's life and works found best expression in Comilla where he stayed more than 11 months. Nazrul stepped into Comilla five times from 19 21 to 1923. His poetry books Dolonchapa, Chhayanout, Agnibina, Jinghephul and Puber Hawa were influenced by his stay in Comilla. An emotional relationship was built up with the people of Comilla. He first became interested in music and composed music in Comilla. Nazrul spent many busy mornings, tired afternoons, vibrant evenings and late nights in the company of Sachin Dev Burman and Ustad Mohammed Hossain Khasru and other well-known cultural activists. In Comilla Nazrul also met and had a love affair with Promila Devi. They later married. The documentaries reveal the present conditions of the different buildings and natural objects. Photographs and footage of Nazrul are used. The documentaries also include interviews of Nazrul scholars, artistes and persons who had close ties with the poet. More quality works on various aspects of Nazrul's life are needed for a better understanding of the creative genius. The time he spent in Comilla and Mymensingh contributed a lot in the formation of his character. Those who are interested in Nazrul, should update themselves on his life and times.
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Nazrul with wife, Pramila |
