Tushar Dutta performs at Bengal Gallery.

Bangladesh born Indian classical singer Tushar Dutta recently visited Dhaka. Dutta came to Bangladesh upon an invitation from Chhayanaut, to perform at the recent classical music festival (from December 24-26, 2009) organised by the institution.
Dutta talked about his musical background and shared his experiences in Bangladesh with The Daily Star.
"This is my first visit to Bangladesh as a performer. I've been here several times previously to visit my ancestral home in Natore," said Dutta.
"My introduction to music happened at a very early age. According to our home tradition, daily rewaz (music practice) is a must," the artiste said, adding, "My first music teacher was Santosh Chowdhury."
"I was born in Natore city in 1966. My father Rabindranath Dutta was a trader. He moved to Durgapur in Bardhaman in 1978.
"In Durgapur I started taking music lessons from Bimol Mitra. I learnt the basics of classical music from him. When I was in school, I got an opportunity to study at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy.
"ITC Sangeet Research Academy is one of the finest institutions in India, promoting classical music. The institution has groomed many acclaimed classical singers.
"After my post-graduation I won a scholarship at the academy. There I received in-depth education in the various aspects of classical music -- dhrupad, khayal, tarana, thumri, tappa and more. I received tutelage from Pt. A Kanan, Pt. Arun Bhaduri, Pt. K.G. Gindey and Pt. Sunil Bose," said Dutta.
Tushar Dutta has performed in several countries including the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Denmark, Dubai, Spain and more. He performed at the ITC Music Conference in 1996, which included some of the biggest names in Indian classical music, such as Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Ustad Zakir Hussain. Dutta also performed at the Shaptak Music Festival in Ahmedabad in 2009.
Talking about his Bangladesh tour, Dutta said, "I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Bangladeshis are keen music enthusiasts; same as audiences in Maharashtra or Kolkata."
About the young artistes of Bangladesh, the seasoned musician said, "If one compares the emerging artistes of India with their Bangladeshi counterparts, no striking difference would be perceived. The music scene in Bangladesh is very enriched and there is a lot of possibility."
On January 4, Bengal Foundation arranged a solo performance of the artiste. Titled "Dhrupadi Sangeet-er Ashor", the programme featured Dutta performing various raaga, including Baghesri, Shohini and Hangsadhwani. The artiste also rendered some Bangla songs -- "Mago Tomar Daakey Debo Shara", "Shobai Amra Tomar Baganey" and more.