The untainted appeal of Nazrul Sangeet
Marking the 39th death anniversary of our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, Star Melodies of The Daily Star is organising a musical event “Pubali Poboney Banshi Bajey”, at 6:30pm on August 31 at its AS Mahmud Hall. Nazrul Sangeet singers Salahuddin Ahmed, Sharmin Sathi Islam, Anindita Chowdhury and Nishat Ahmed Zishan, the featured artistes of the event, spoke to The Daily Star about their favourite genre of Nazrul Sangeet, the application of original tune, its diffusion and more.
Salauddin Ahmed, a prominent Nazrul Sangeet singer and researcher, is an avid fan of the lyrical poetry in Nazrul songs. About the tune of Nazrul songs, he said, “I am committed to sing Nazrul Sangeet in promito (original) tune. There was a time when we did not get the original notations of his songs. But now that his original tunes are available, we encourage every Nazrul singer to follow that. Also, Nazrul Institute brings CDs of his songs which is a resource for singers. If the young singers don't understand notations, I would suggest them to follow the singing styles of the CDs that Nazrul institute brings out.”
Sharmin Sathi Islam is equally adept in rendering Nazrul Sangeet and golden oldies. Among the diverse genres of Nazrul Sangeet, she is fond of performing raga-based songs along with adhunik and melodious kavyageeti. She said: “Every genre of our National poet's songs evokes different taste. I have also a fascination for his ghazal-ang songs and my audience always request to render kirttan and shyama sangeet. The number of artistes leaning to performing Nazrul Sangeet maintaining the right melody is on the rise, and the audience is also appreciating it.”
Anindita Chowdhury is an accomplished Nazrul Sangeet artiste, who also loves to perform raga-based songs, adhunik kavyageeti, thumri and ghazal. Anindita is conscious of rendering Nazrul Sangeet in its original tune, and but feels that creating confusion in the name of fusion is not acceptable. She also urged the media, big organisations, and corporate and business houses to come forward to diffuse the appeal of Nazrul Sangeet.
Nishat Ahmed Zishan, Salauddin Ahmed's son, is an aspiring Nazrul Sangeet singer. He was inspired by his father's performances and teaching, and his affinity to classical music takes him closer to Nazrul Sangeet than other forms. He said: “As a representative of this generation, I always try to focus on the original notations of Nazrul Sangeet. Nazrul's lyrics are distinct, and I urge every singer of the young generation to maintain the originality that Nazrul's songs have.
Eminent Nazrul Exponent Sadya Afreen Mallick will host and direct the programme. Eastern Bank Limited and Simantic Creative Concern are assisting in the programme.
Comments