"It was immediately after the introduction of Cable TV in the early '90s, that not only Tagore songs but the existence of Bangla music as a whole, were threatened. Singing Tagore songs was not met with an encouraging response. But the situation has changed drastically with the emergence of several TV channels in the country. Hindi songs have not been able to establish a monopoly in the music market, after all.

"Besides, several music schools devoted to Tagore songs have been established throughout Dhaka and in many parts of the country that are working towards developing a mass taste for Tagore songs," says Pijush, a Tagore singer as well as a teacher at Sangeet Bhaban and Shurer Dhara.

Pijush and Adrita are okay with the idea of using electronic musical instruments but are in favour of strictly maintaining the original notations. Changes in social environment and technology have triggered changes in the style of performing Tagore songs. As the notations of Tagore songs are defined and structured precisely, there is no scope for violating the lyrics or the tunes, the singers say.

Addressing the issue of freedom in interpreting Kabiguru's songs, Pijush says, "Every singer has his/her own way of expressing and conveying the central idea of the song. The reason that I sing Tagore songs is that they express my inner feelings."

"I enjoy the freedom of self-expression through the maestro's songs," Adrita explains what freedom means to her.

Although the expiry of Vishwa Bharati's copyright to Tagore songs have concerned many, both artistes are optimistic that many unfamiliar songs may now be available to the listeners. Releasing cassettes or CDs have become much easier now. They believe that the negative consequences cannot have a lasting impact as the audience is the supreme judge and they will not accept any deviation from the original structure in the long run.