Star Melodies' Homage to Tagore

“Rabindranath's idea and conception of dance, blending elements from several Indian classical dance styles as well as many other folk and foreign dance forms to emerge into Rabindra Nritya Dhara, aptly expresses the emotions of Bangalees,” explained celebrated dancer-choreographer Sharmila Banerjee, as she spoke to an engaged audience at The Daily Star-Bengal Arts Precinct. Star Melodies, the initiative of The Daily Star to promote Bangla music, held a musical soiree marking the 155th birth anniversary of Tagore on May 13. The event highlighted songs from Tagore's lyrical dance dramas.

With a brief elaboration of the genre, Banerjee then invited her daughter, accomplished dancer Sudeshna Swayamprabha, to display a dance set to the song “Amar Onge Onge Ke”. Sudeshna beautifully performed the piece with her artistic agility, lyrical movement and graceful expression.

Star Arts & Entertainment Editor Sadya Afreen Mallick, who regularly comperes the event, welcomed the audience and spoke on her long affinity for Tagore through her Chhayanaut days and the many seasonal festivals and more.

Noted Tagore singer Salma Akbar brilliantly talked about the musical aspects of Tagore. She also led choral songs, “Shongkocher Bihbolotaye” and “Aha Aji E Boshontey”, with featured solo performances by promising Tagore artistes -- Shuma Roy, Shimu De, Chhaya Karmakar, Nayeema Islam Naj, Dipanjan Mukherjee, Mustafizur Rahman Turjo, Anupam Kumar Paul and Jibon Chowdhury. They performed songs from popular Tagore lyrical and dance dramas, “Shyama”, “Mayar Khela”, “Chitrangada”, “Chandalika”, “Tasher Desh”, “Shapmochon” and “Bhogno Hridoy”.

Nayeema Islam Naj set off the musical soiree with “Rodon Bhora E Boshonto”, creating an aura of feminine pathos. The singer was immersed in melody while performing the popular “Chitrangada” classic. Mustafizur Rahman Turjo opened up his sonorous voice and mesmerised the audience with his presentation of “Aji Dokhin Duar Khola” (“Shapmochon”).

Shuma Roy diffused the aroma of romance with her mellifluous performance of the number “Ghoretey Bhromor Elo Gunguniye” form “Tasher Desh”. Shimu De too captivated Tagore song lovers with her moving rendition of “Dibosho Rajani Ami Jeno” (“Mayar Khela”). Anupam Kumar Paul beautifully performed “Tumi Ki Keboli Chhobi”.

Chhaya Karmakar's presentation of “Ketechhey Ekela Biroher Bela” (“Chitrangada”) was fantastic while Jibon Chowdhury's lovely offering of “Amar Jibon Patro Uchchhaliya” (“Shyama”) earned much applause.  Dipanjan Mukherjee superbly performed the penultimate song of the soiree “Era Shukher Lagi” (“Mayar Khela”). He fascinated all with his emotive rendition.   

Thanks to the blessings of the pitter-patter of a Baishakhi evening, the ambience of the evening seemed like Shraban (monsoon), while the artistes predominantly performed songs evoking Bashanta (spring).

Eastern Bank Limited and Chalacchitram assisted in the programme.