Songs and poems of Tagore resound at National Museum

As part of the joint celebrations -- by India and Bangladesh -- of the 150th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore, the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), High Commission of India, Dhaka organised a cultural programme featuring Rabindra Sangeet and recitation of Tagore's poems at the main auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum on February 10.
The event featured renditions of Tagore songs by Abhirup Guhathakurta and Indrani Sen and poetry recitation by Bratati Bandopadhyay of India.
Abhirup Guhathakurta was the first to take the stage. He had the privilege of training under stalwarts of Rabindra Sangeet including Kanika Bandopadhyay, Nilima Sen, Sailajaranjan Majumdar.
His repertoire included “Amar Matha Nato Kore Dao”, “Aaji Bijon Ghorey”, “Bani Tabo Dhaye”, “Chokher Aaloye Dekhechhilem” and more. Later he rendered baitalik numbers -- “Ami Chanchal Hey” and “Chiroshokha Hey”. The audience sang “Akash Bhora Shurjo Tara” along with him.
Guhathakurta received his Diploma with Honours in Rabindra Sangeet from Dakshini in 1971 after which he trained under Subinoy Roy. A regular artiste for the All India Radio and Doordarshan since 1976, he has participated in all major Tagore-related festivals in India and abroad.
The art of recitation by Bratati Bandyopadhyay was next. The acclaimed elocutionist has so far given several thousand stage performances in the last 25 years both at home and abroad. Her crystal-clear voice, perfect diction and a rare sense of dramatic expressions have touched the hearts of many.
With a charming stage presence, excellent memory supported by apt background score and light effects made her recitation a unique experience for the poetry connoisseurs. Starting with an excerpt from Tagore, the artiste eloquently referred from Shamsur Rahaman, Subhash Mukhopadhyay and Achintya Kumar Sengupta -- eulogising the spirit of Bengali solidarity.
“Tagore and Nazrul are the greatest assets of both Bangladesh and Paschimbanga. Our duty is to uphold them to the upcoming generations,” said Bratati.
The artiste enthralled the audience reciting a number of Tagore poems including “Nirjhor-er Swapnobhongo”, “Dui Pakhi”, “Ek Ganye”, “Shuoranir Sadh”, “Jhulan” and “Banshiwala”. She also mentioned the backdrops of Tagore's creations. Rediscovering himself in poetry, love on the flames of melancholy, the scenic beauty of nature, thoughts on death and the poet's indomitable urge for breaking the silence of convention were aptly focused in Bratati's presentation. The artiste also showcased excerpts from a short story by Tagore, “Strir Patra”, and “Rabithakur”, a compilation from the works of Buddhadev Basu and Poornendu Patri at the event.
Bishwajit Banerjee and Asit Kumar Das assisted Bratati's performance.
Indrani Sen was the last artiste, and performed for more than an hour at the event. She presented a number of Tagore songs including “Aguner Poroshmoni”, “Anandadhara Bohichhey Bhuboney”, “Aaji Bangladesh-er Hridoy Hotey”, “Bhalobashi Bhalobashi” and “Bipul Taranga Rey”.
She also performed “Tumi Robey Nirobey”, “O Je Maney Na Mana”, “Eki Labonye Purno Pran” and “Amar Poran Jaha Chaye” on request.
Indrani performed a bandish “Bol Rey Papihara” on Raga Malhar. Tabla artiste Prabir Chatterjee was on rhythm. The singer then performed the Tagore song “Gahono Ghano Chhailo”, also set on the raga. Rendition of “Pagla Hawar Badal Diney” followed.
Indrani Sen performed several timeless Tagore songs including “Krishnakoli” and “Jete Jete Ekla Pothey”, popularised by legends like Kanika Bandopadhyay, Subinoy Roy, Rita Guha, Shantidev Ghosh, Suchitra Mitra and her guru Debabrata Biswas.
Chief guest of the programme, adviser to the Prime Minister, Dr. Gauhar Rizvi, gave away bouquets to Indrani Sen and her accompanying artistes --Prabir Chatterjee (tabla), Partha Pratim Banerjee (guitar), Surajit Chakraborty (keyboard) and Debashish Bhadra (octopad).
Indrani Sen is well-known for her distinctive style combined with modulated delivery. Apart from Rabindra Sangeet, the artiste renders Nazrul Sangeet, Bhajan, Ghazal, Adhunik songs, devotional and several other forms of light classical music. She studied at the Bengal Music College under the University of Calcutta and subsequently trained under legends like Debabrata Biswas. She also received training in classical music from Bibhuti Dutta, and in Nazrul Sangeet from Purabi Dutta.
IGCC organised the same event at Kachharibari auditorium of Shahjadpur, Sirajganj yesterday (February 12) and will also organise it again at Kuthibari of Shilaidah, Kushtia today (February 13) at 6:30 pm. The artiste trio are expected to perform at the programme.