150th Birth Anniversary of DL Roy

Artistes perform at the event. Photo: ATL Aakash

Marking 150th birth anniversary of Dwijendralal Roy (DL Roy), Chhayanaut arranged a musical soiree at its main auditorium on December 28. Artistes of Chhayanaut set off the soiree with a choral rendition of the song "Bango Amar Jononi Amar". Noted artiste Nilyotpal Sadhya elaborated on the life and works of DL Roy at the event.
"DL Roy grew up in a musical family. He is famous for his patriotic song compositions for plays. He can be termed as the king of composing humorous songs. He was adept in both Hindustani and Western classical music. The song 'Dhano Dhanno Pushpo Bhora' is the best composition of the Bard," said Nilyotpal Sadhya.
The musical soiree featured both solo and choral rendition of songs composed by DL Roy. Anindita Chowdhury performed a solo "E Ki Modhur Chhondo" that captivated the hearts of many. Sanjida Beethika with Semanti Manjuri presented a duet "Amra Malay Batashey".
Choral rendition of the songs -- "Amra Emni Eshe Bheshe Jai" and "Dhano Dhanno Pushpo Bhora" --received much applause from the audience. Noted artistes Iffat Ara Dewan and Aditi Mohsin performed --"Tumi Je Hey Praner Bondhu" and "Ekbar Gaal Bhora Maa Daak-e" respectively at the soiree.
Poet, lyricist, musician and playwright DL Roy is known primarily for his Bengali patriotic plays and songs. His songs, which number over 500, like those of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam are considered a genre of their own, and are referred to as 'Dwijendra Geeti' (Songs of Dwijendra). He is regarded as one of the most important figures in early modern Bengali literature.