As Bangladesh celebrates the 164th birth anniversary of the iconic poet Rabindranath Tagore today, television channels across the nation are offering a rich array of special programming to honor his literary legacy. The day's events feature exclusive documentaries, musical performances, and adaptations of Tagore's timeless works, providing a fitting tribute to the revered figure.

BTV

Still image of "Sompotti Samarpon". Photo: Collected

Bangladesh Television (BTV) has lined up several notable programs. At 9pm, viewers can enjoy "Shompotti Samorpon" (Surrendering the Wealth), a drama adapted from Tagore's short story by  director Abul Hayat. The drama revolves around Jagganath Kundu, a miserly man who, after the death of his daughter-in-law and the departure of his son, takes in an orphan boy named Nitai. Jagganath promises to leave all his wealth to the boy but ends up taking him into a cave where his treasures are hidden, leading to a series of dramatic events. The drama stars Abul Hayat, Tauquir Ahmed, Farzana Chobi, Mohammad Bari, and others.

BTV will also feature documentaries, discussion panels on Tagore's work, music shows, children's programs, dance performances, poetry recitations, and poetic dramas throughout the day. Later at 11pm, the theatre group Swapnadal will perform Tagore's poetic drama "Chitrangada", directed by Zahid Ripon. This drama, inspired by the "Mahabharata", explores the themes of love, transformation, and personal identity, as the character Chitrangada grapples with her external beauty and true self.

Duronto TV

"Madho". Photo: Collected

Duronto TV will air a series of performances throughout the day. At 10am, viewers can enjoy the dance program "Momo Chitte Nite Nirtye", directed by Partha Pratim Halder, featuring performers from the dance troupe Sadhana. At 5:30pm, the channel will present "Shure Chhonde Rabindranath", followed by two short films starting at 10pm: "Madho" and "Dakghor" (The Post Office). Both films are inspired by Tagore's literary works, with "Madho" directed by Sumona Siddiqui and "Dakghor" directed by Lucy Trupti Gomez.

RTV

RTV is bringing unique programming as well. At 1:20pm, the special episode of "Akshurer Golpo" will be aired, hosted by Rezauddin Stalin, with Rabindra Sangeet singer Tanushree Deepak as a guest. At 8pm, the channel will showcase the drama "Nishithe", based on one of Tagore's short stories. Directed by Anjan Aich, the play features performances by Rawnak Hasan, Zakia Bari Mamo, and others.

Deepto TV

Swapnadal's "Chitrangada". Photo: Courtesy

At 9:30pm, Deepto TV will broadcast a serial drama inspired by Rabindranath Tagore's "Dena Pouna". The screenplay, written by Afifa Mohsina Aroni, with dialogues by Colin Rodricks, brings Tagore's story to life through a new adaptation. Directed by Ashis Roy, the serial stars Azizul Hakim, Naznin Hasan Chumki, Tanveer Sweeti, Tanushree Karkun, Tonoy Biswas, Kazi Kaniz, and more.

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Maasranga Television

"Dakghor". Photo: Collected

Maasranga Television will present "Maya Bengal in Motion: Timeless Tagore" at 10:30pm. This special program is dedicated to the genius of Rabindranath Tagore, offering viewers a unique perspective on his timeless contributions to art, culture, and literature.