Immersed in heartfelt melodies

A capacity audience at the National Music and Dance Centre auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Friday listened raptly to Rabindranath Tagore's monsoon melodies. Ahead of Tagore's death anniversary and celebrating monsoon, Padatik Bangladesh held “Prokriti O Rabindranath er Borshar Gaan” on July 31.

Popular Bangladeshi singers Nargis Chowdhury and Abdul Wadud along with Indian singers Debalina Bhowmick and Shiba Prasad Dhar presented Tagore's monsoon songs.

Alongside music, the event featured a five-minute sequence, enacted by thespian Ataur Rahman and Naila Tarannum Kakoli, from “Rokto Korobi”.

In an interactive address, Ataur Rahman gave insights into Tagore's thoughts on nature, its influence on his creations, and how the Bard's interactions with poets and intellectuals from across the world shaped them. Ataur Rahman also handed souvenirs to the artistes.

Aside from strong visuals in the background, the stage was decorated to give the audience a flavour of listening to Tagore in the monsoon. As it rained outside the auditorium, the audience was treated to a surreal experience. The programme was different from usual musical events as it included audio visuals, innovative set design, lively discussions and audience interactions.

“Tagore perceived the monsoon in a unique way and it touched his heart to such an extent that many of his popular songs are inspired by the monsoon. We wanted the audience to know how Tagore's feelings about the season are still relevant,” said Selim Shamsul Huda Chowdhury, group leader of Padatik Bangladesh, who planned and directed the event.

The soiree began with a choral rendition of “Esho Nipobone” followed by Nargis Chowdhury's “Emono Diney Tarey Bola Jaye” and “Aaj Sraboner Purnima Te”.

Shiba Prasad Dhar presented two songs: “Ami Ki Gaan Gabo” and “Timir Obogunthon” followed by Debalina Bhowmick's “Badol Diner Prothom Kodom Phul” and “Shaona Gogone”.

 Abdul Wadud presented “Amar Priyar Chhaya” and “Asha Jaoar Majhkhane” before Nargis Chowdhury returned for “Aji Jhorer Raate” and “Pagla Hawoar Badol Dine.”

The evening wrapped up with a Bharatnatyam-flavoured dance set to “Nilonjono Ghono Punjo Chhayay” by the artistes of Spondon.