The inimitable Feroza Begum
It's not possible to consider the evolution of Nazrul Sangeet without considering late Feroza Begum's contributions. She more or less single-handedly repopularised Nazrul Sangeet in the 1960s, when the poet's songs were not finding eager ears.
Accomplishments
For her lifelong contributions to music, Feroza Begum received many awards and honours including the Shadhinata Padak, Netaji Subhash Chandra Award, Satyajit Ray Award, Nasiruddin Gold Medal, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Gold Medal, Meril-Prothom Alo Lifetime Honourary Award, The Daily Star Celebrating Life Lifetime Achievement Award, D. Lit from University of Burdwan and Bongo Shomman from West Bengal State Government.
Resolution to repopularise Nazrul Sangeet
In her own words: “In 1962, HMV gave me an offer to record two songs for the Puja season. I told them that I would do it but the songs I want to record are Nazrul Sangeet. They refused but I held my ground. Eventually HMV budged and I recorded Dur Dwipobashini and Momer Putul for them. The songs were huge hits.”
The city that saw her rise as an artiste
On the occasion of Nazrul's birth anniversary in 2012, the West Bengal government honoured her with the Bongo Shomman.
The realisation that she was still admired and her music was still appreciated in Kolkata, where her music career began under the guidance of Nazrul himself and composer extraordinaire Kamol Dasgupta, was overwhelming for her, the legendary singer said in an interview previously published in The Daily Star.
She also opened Nazrul Academy in Kolkata on the poet's birth anniversary.
Never did playback
Singing for movies is something she apparently could never do. She sang Adhunik, Urdu Geet, Ghazal, Thumri, even Rabindra Sangeet, but playback was something she could never agree to. This apprehension-- how her song will be used –--always deterred her, she said. My mentor and husband, Kamol Dasgupta, who was one of the most popular music directors of his time, requested her to do playback for him. This was one request from him she couldn't oblige.
Talent hunts and true talents
Here's what the artiste had to say about talent hunts and music competitions:“So many young artistes getting national exposure. Yet, truly talented singers who can demonstrate longevity of their skills are rare. The gifted artistes I know, who are ready, don't get enough opportunities to showcase their talents on a national level. I had trained many aspiring artistes when I used to run a music school at Kobi Bhaban.”