ACI Foundation launches website honouring the legacy of Feroza Begum
Legendary Nazrul Sangeet singer Feroza Begum devoted her life to the craft, becoming an unparalleled presence in the arena. To mark the polymath's 91st birth anniversary, ACI Foundation launched the "Feroza Begum Archive" website earlier today, consisting of all her contributions to music, and highlighting her legacy.
The website was launched through a virtual programme, aired live from Prothom Alo's Facebook page. Eminent Nazrul Sangeet exponent Sadya Afreen Mallick, hosted the event.
The Chief Guest of the programme was Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, MP, Honourable Speaker of Bangladesh National Parliament. She paid tribute to Feroza Begum and thanked the foundation for patronising the landmark website. "It is truly an invaluable step towards not only archiving the works of a great artiste, but encouraging younger generations to come to get inspired and follow her footsteps," she noted.
Matiur Rahman, the Editor of Prothom Alo, recalled the devotion of the late artiste in his speech.
Eminent actor and Member of Parliament Asaduzzaman Noor also attended the programme, and shared his memories with Feroza Begum, while acknowledging the timeliness of the initiative. "We really need more endeavours like these from our side, and I applaud Shusmita Anis for the dedication she has shown towards the initiative," he said.
Throughout the programme, several video packages were shown, highlighting the extraordinary career of Feroza Begum.
Noted lyricist and singer Mohammad Asafuddowlah, a former secretary and brother of Feroza Begum, spoke fondly about growing up with his sister. He spoke of her musical influence in the subcontinent.
Shafin Ahmed, who is the son of Feroza Begum and a legend in the band music arena of Bangladesh, also spoke fondly about his mother. "Her presence was our only refuge. Tahsin, Hamin and I were dependent on her for everything, and we are proud to have her as our mother", he said.
Eminent singer Anup Ghoshal joined the programme from Kolkata virtually. Celebrated singers of the subcontinent Aarti Mukherjee, Haimanti Sukla and Srikanta Acharya also paid their tributes to Feroza Begum during the event. Renowned artistes Debjani Ghoshal and Arati Mukherji also recalled their heartfelt memories with Feroza Begum.
Noted artist Mustafa Monwar and eminent singer Ferdausi Rahman both recalled the legacy of Feroza Begum for Nazrul Sangeet in the subcontinent. "Feroza Begum was the type of artiste who sang every note, and every word of a song to the point, without moving even an inch. Such dedication is exemplary, and should be followed," he said during the programme.
"She sang for hours and hours, and would not stop practicing," said Ferdausi Rahman. "I feel like this dedication and perfectionism is missing from artistes today. She was truly exemplary."
Sadya Afreen Mallick moderated the ceremony and shared her fond memories of Feroza Begum throughout the programme. Chairman of ACI Foundation, M Anis Ud Dowla, and beloved niece and disciple of Feroza Begum, singer Shusmita Anis, could not be present in the programme because of a family emergency.
Shusmita Anis had worked hard to lead the three-year project, which is a landmark undertaking for Bangladeshi music.
During Feroza Begum's illustrious career, she received many awards and honours, including the Swadhinata Padak, Netaji Subhash Chandra Award, Satyajit Ray Award, Nasiruddin Gold Medal, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Gold Medal, D Lit from University of Bardwan, Banga Samman, Mahaguru, and Banga Bibhushan from the State Government of West Bengal, India.
Access the website now at www.ferozabegum.com.