Citibank honours Sohrab Hossain

(Top) Sohrab Hossain receives his crest from Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Mamun Rashid (next to the artiste) also seen in the photo. (Bottom-left) Saadi Muhammad and Fatema Tuz Zohra perform a duet. (Bottom-right) Samina Chowdhury sings at the programme. Photo: Mumit M.

Sohrab Hossain would always be remembered as one of the artistes who upheld and popularised Nazrul Sangeet in the post-Partition East Bengal. Credited for supreme renditions of Nazrul's creations, the singer-exponent also trained a generation of talented artistes. Citibank NA Bangladesh honoured this octogenarian artiste as part of their annual "Gunijon Sangbardhana" programme on July 11 at the Radisson Water Garden Hotel.
This was the fifth instalment of the initiative. Prior to Sohrab Hossain, Citibank honoured Feroza Begum, Sanjida Khatun, the late Nilufar Yasmin and Farida Parveen.
Mamun Rashid, Citigroup Country Officer, said, "Citibank believes in nurturing the local culture and heritage. The aim of this initiative is to celebrate the excellence of these veteran artistes who have made immense contribution to our cultural arena."
Nazrul researcher Professor Rafiqul Islam labelled Sohrab Hossain's voice as "a gift from God."
"Very few artistes can maintain a youthful tenor for ages. Sohrab Hossain's singing still sounds exuberant with youthful expressions. The voice I heard in 1948 hasn't deteriorated," Professor Islam said.
"The style of Nazrul Sangeet that is popular today in Bangladesh is perhaps best demonstrated in Sohrab Hossain's singing. I remember in 2000, I had the opportunity to accompany Feroza Begum and Sohrab Hossain to West Bengal -- to attend the Nazrul centenary. An audience of 5,000 eagerly waited at Shantiniketan to hear the two legendary artistes sing. Sohrab Hossain started singing. Shantideb Ghosh, who was 90 at that time, came over and requested him to sing Ke bideshi bon udashi. That was a memorable event," added Professor Islam.
Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Governor, Bangladesh Bank handed the crest from Citibank to Sohrab Hossain.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Ahmed made an interesting observation. “Esho hey Baishakh has sort of become the Nabo Barsho celebration anthem. Oi natun-er ketan orey, kal Boshekhir jhor, a Nazrul Sangeet apt for the occasion, is submerged in a medley of numerous songs, failing to achieve the level of interest it deserves. Something to think about for the artistes and organisers."
The veteran artiste expressed his gratitude to the organisers and made an appeal. "There are many artistes who sing on the radio and TV but their names are lost in the oblivion once they are off air. Many artistes have to endure ailments alone; sometimes they don't receive the proper treatment. I would like to request the Governor of Bangladesh Bank to set up fund for these artistes so that they get the proper care they deserve."
The governor listened and towards the end of the programme an announcement was made that "according to Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed's suggestion, Citibank NA Bangladesh has decided to allot Tk 1 lakh for further treatment of the artiste."
The musical section of the programme started with Rawshan Ara Shoma and Rahat Ara Geeti -- daughters of Sohrab Hossain -- singing Nazrul Sangeet Gul bagichaye bulbuli and Hey priyo amarey debo na bhulitey respectively.
Saadi Muhammad's musical homage to Sohrab Hossain included Rabindra Sangeet – Mon-e ki dwidha rekhey geley, Jokhon porbey na mor payer chinho and Krishnokoli.
Fatema Tuz Zohra's offering of songs included Nazrul Sangeet – Bedona bibhol pagol-o pubali paban-e, Shaon ashilo phirey and a brilliantly executed Naach-er nesha-e ghor legechhey (in Jhumur style).
Saadi Muhammad and Fatema Tuz Zohra also sang a duet – Shurer ei jhor jhor jhorna.
Samina Chowdhury's repertoire of adhunik songs at the programme included Phool photey phool jhorey, Oi jhinuk phota shagor belaye and her overly popular signature number Kobita porar prohor eshechhey. On request from the organisers and audience, the artiste did a cover of Tumi jey amar kobita -- a song popularised by her father, Mahmudunnabi. The event wrapped with Samina's vivacious rendition of the song Amar majhey nei ekhon ami, from the soundtrack of the film Ranikuthir Baki Itihash.