Shotoborsher Arghaya in memory of Ustad Amir Khan

Asit Dey (C) performs a khayal at the soiree. Photo: ATL Aakash

A classical music soiree, titled 'Shotoborsher Arghaya', organised by Ustad Amir Khan Jonmoshotobarshiki Udjapan Parishad (UAKJUP), was held on December 7 at the main auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum, Shahbagh in Dhaka.
Ustad Amir Khan, a classical musician extraordinaire, was born in 1912. Amir Khan Jonmoshotobarshiki Udjapan Parishad was formed with the aim of commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary personality and paying tributes to him for his outstanding contribution to Indian classical music.
The soiree featured several renowned classical artistes from both Bangladesh and India, including Asit Dey, a Chhayanaut guru and a noted classical vocalist of Bangladesh; Asim Chaudhury, renowned sitarist of India; Rimpa Siva, a tabla prodigy; and vocalist Mahendra Toke, a torchbearer of Amir Khan's Indore Gharana.
Setting off the soiree, Asit Dey performed a khayal based on Raga "Yaman". He presented vilambit and drut bandish set on vilambit ektaal and teentaal respectively.
Born in 1966, Asit Kumar Dey, son of Late Pandit Mithun Dey, grew up surrounded by the strains of classical music from his childhood. Subsequently he was deeply inclined towards the philosophical and intellectual approach of Hindustani classical music by legendary Ustad Amir Khan of Indore Gharana.
Just after his graduation on 1986, he went to Delhi and got the chance to train under Pandit Amaranth (senior most disciple of Ustad Amir Khan) at Shriram Bhartiya Kala Kendra of Delhi, through a scholarship offered by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
A tabla lahora (on teentaal) followed by young artiste Rimpa Siva. Tabla, the classical percussion instrument of the East was never considered a feminine forte in traditional societies of the Indian subcontinent. But 16- year- old Rimpa Siva has changed the convention. Rimpa also showcased several lesser-known taal at the soiree.
Sitarist Asim Chaudhury was next to take the stage. The artiste presented Raga "Charukeshi" on his sitar. He played alap, jod, vilambit and drut compositions, gaut, jhala, tehai along with several other composition set on the same raga. Iftekhar Alam Pradhan accompanied the recital on tabla.
In the realm of Indian classical music, Ashim Chowdhury has established himself as one of the most talented sitar players of his generation, representing the glorious traditions of great Imdad Khani gharana.
Mahendra Toke was the last performer of the soiree. He performed a khayal set on Raga "Puria Kalyan". His vilambit and drut bandish performance was set on vilambit ektaal and teentaal respectively. Later, the artiste presented a chhoto khayal set on Raga "Janasammohini". Badal Chowhdury on tabla and Bizon Mistry on harmonium accompanied the vocalist.
Prior to the musical soiree, a short discussion was held where Cultural Secretary Suraiya Begum ndc, spoke as the chief guest. The convener of UAKJUP Sanjib Dey delivered the welcome address at the event. The turnout of the audience was good.
Ustad Amir Khan, in a life span of over 60 years, developed a unique style of singing that is now known as the 'Indore Gharana', which blends the spiritual flavour and grandeur of dhrupad with the ornate vividness of khayal. His performance had a soothing elegance and restrained passion that could both move and awe the listeners. Amir Khan also helped popularise the tarana compositions. The Ustad passed away on February 13, 1974 in Calcutta, in a tragic car accident.