Artistes of Robirag perform a chorus. Photo: ATL Aakash

Shameem Ara Nipa mesmerises with her grace and poise. Photo: ATL Aakash

It resembled a replica of Tagore's Shilaidah Kuthibari on the banks of the mighty river Padma; artistes of Rabirag along with several instrumentalists were on board and they were about to set sail for a musical journey titled “Borsha Mongol”. But who would create the rhythmic union of timeless Tagore songs and dance in tune with the rhythms of rain? Yes! The artistes of Nrityanchal were there too to embellish the bliss of monsoon in exquisite styles.
The packed audience thoroughly enjoyed the event at Shawkat Osman Memorial auditorium of Central Public Library, Shahbagh on July 6.
The monsoon was greeted in Kabiguru's time in Shantiniketan with the programme “Barsha Mongol”, referring to the blessings of rain. The poet caught the many glorious moods of the season of clouds and gave lyrical and musical expression to the innermost whispering of the clouds, the rains, and the human soul.
The images that the songs sketched in the new production brought out the fervour of the season. The tune blended well with the images and emotions. In some songs, baul and bhatiyali imparted the deep philosophical essence of life that the season sometimes evoked. Traditional and folk tunes added colour to the monsoon songs. The mood of the rains as sketched by the poet with marks of different colours, reflected intricate human reactions to a season.
Director of Rabirag, Sadi Mohammad set off the event with a shloka (verse) and welcomed the audience by rendering the song “Abar Eshechhey Asharh”. The seasoned artiste also drenched Tagore enthusiasts with his melodic strains presenting solos including “Krishnakoli Ami Tarei Boli”.
The event had a number of choral songs including “Prochondo Gorjone”, “Bojro Manik Diye”, “Aaji Nahi Nahi Aankhi Patey” and more.
The performance of solo songs including “Jatobar Alo Jalatey Chao”, “Swapney Amar Mon-e Holo” and “Gahon Kushum Kunja Majhey” and a duet number “Hridoy Amar Jaye” by Rabirag artistes was outstanding. Despite Rabirag's earnest efforts, a few solos performed at the event fell flat, much to the disappointment of the audience.
Led by Shibli Mohammad and Shameem Ara Nipa, several Nrityanchal artistes bearing oars vibrantly danced to a Tagore song “Kharobayu Boye Begey”.
Sahmeem Ara Nipa seemed brisk like a butterfly while dancing to a medley of Tagore melodies performed by Rabirag artistes. The artiste's throwing of aesthetic mudra coupled with graceful expression made her part enchanting.
Several promising artistes of Nrityanchal superbly showcased a piece set on the song “Mon Mor Megher Shongi”. The artistes, dressed in light blue, appeared as nymphs of clouds.
The Nrityanchal artistes wrapped up the event dancing to the popular Tagore song “Pagla Hawar Badol Din-e”. Nrityanchal director duo -- Shibli Mohammad and Shameem Ara Nipa -- led a number of artistes of the troupe in brilliantly showcasing the piece. Several artistes with madol and mondira on stage and several others with ektara in hand at the audience corner fashioned a rumble of graceful rhythms resonating with the romance of thunder. The artistes danced their way into the audience thereby mingling with them.
Sadi Mohammad planned, compiled and directed the programme sponsored by New Zealand Dairy. Maasranga Television recorded the entire event.