Of fond memories and golden oldies

Ferdausi Rahman (left) and Nashid Kamal at the programme.

It was a memorable day for renowned singer Ferdausi Rahman and the admirers of her music; on June 27 (the day before her birthday) the artiste's first album of classical music, titled “Piya Ghar Aaye” was launched at Chhayanaut Sanskriti Bhaban. The event also included the launch of another album -- “Bhalobasho Mor Gaan” by Rahman's niece Dr. Nashid Kamal.
Daughter of the legendary folk singer Abbasuddin Ahmed, Ferdausi Rahman's musical voyage began at the tender age of six. She trained in classical music under famed gurus, including Ustad Munir Hussain, Ustad Md. Hussain Khusro, Ustad Gul Md. Khan; Ustad Munshi Raisuddin; Ustad Quader Zamiree, Ustad Nazakat Ali and Ustad Salamat Ali Khan. For six decades Rahman has enthralled her audience with her opulent repertoire of songs which include Adhunik, Nazrul Sangeet, Ghazals, Bhawaiya, Bhatiali and classical music.
“Piya Ghar Aaye” features three Khayals in Raaga Lalit (usually performed in the morning), Raaga Kalavati (performed late at night) and Raaga Yaman (an evening tune). The album also includes a Thumri in Raaga Tilang.
“Bhalobasho Mor Gaan” features twelve popular songs -- popularised by Ferdausi Rahman -- recorded by Nashid Kamal. The CDs have been produced under the banner of Laser Vision.
Chief guest at the event, former Chief Justice Mustafa Kamal (father of Nashid Kamal) unveiled the two albums. Eminent musician Azad Rahman; lyricist Md. Rafiquzzaman; artiste-researcher Mustafa Zaman Abbasi; managing director of Impress Telefilm Ltd and Channel i, Faridur Reza Sagor and chairman of Laser Vision Arifur Rahman spoke on the occasion. Noted author Imdadul Haq Milon anchored the programme.
Asked about his musical knowledge by Milon, the chief guest Mustafa Kamal said, "Surer bhubon-e ashur-er agomon," (advent of a demon in the world of music). Then he politely admitted, “I know and understand music well. I accompanied my father at performances, attended by thousands of music enthusiasts including icons like Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haq; Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardi and Khwaja Nazimuddin.”
Azad Rahman, a former teacher of Chhayanaut, emphasised on the need to practice classical music. He said, "Nothing comes out of nothing. Every sphere or art originates from a foundation. Classical music is the foundation of all genres and every musician should practice it."
Nashid Kamal said, “I had long desired to sing my aunt's songs and today I'm ecstatic to present this album as my gift on her birthday.”
Ferdausi Rahman was visibly moved. Virtuoso artiste Mustafa Zaman Abbasi (Rahman's brother) rendered “Jakhon robo na ami,” “Ei kothati mon-e rekho” (a Tagore song) and “O ki o bondhu kajal bhromora rey.” Nashid Kamal performed “Jeno ekmutho Rajanigandha,” “Jaler chhaya jaler chhaya,” “Lajja amar sonar khancha” and more.