Reliving songs of freedom

It may be no surprise that Ekushey Award winning Nazrul singer Shaheen Samad will make an appearance on a musical programme on BTV tonight, but instead of serenading viewers with her melodious vocals, the artiste is slated to host the show. Titled “Bijoye Nishan Urche Oi”, the BTV programme is scheduled to air tonight after the 10pm news.

Performing artistes on the show include Sabbir, Luipa, Ronty Das, Apu, Priyanka, Rashed, Sushmita, Badhon, Marlene and Nandita. The show's repertoire will highlight songs of Victory from the Liberation War.

“I don't present TV programmes or on stage, and when I was asked to do so, I requested to host on my own way. I have been enjoying it immensely, and I hope viewers will too,” stated Shaheen Samad.

The programme features young, contemporary singers, and the noted Shaheen Samad stated that she is quite impressed by their performances, “They have performed beautifully, and music can only be preserved if the youth choose to practice it. Hopefully this programme will encourage today's generation to do so.”

Singer Sabbir performed the song “Je Maatir Bukey Ghumiye Achhe”, while Rashed demonstrated the number “Ma Go Bhaabna Kano” and Ronty Das sang “O Maajhi Nao Chhaira De, Majhi Paal Uraiya De.” The programme will also feature a choral number where the singers perform “Bijoye Nishan Urche Oi”. Shujeyo Shyam, who composed the iconic Victory song, was also present during filming.

“Shadhin Bangla songs will never be forgotten,” stated Shaheen Samad. However, the singer also laments at the lack of effort taken towards the initiative by the government. “We have requested them many times over the year, but nothing to that extent has yet been done. We have recorded 14 songs under the album titled 'Rupanto'er Gaan', and have sent 16 more songs to Kolkata, which will be recorded soon,” she said.