A musical tribute to Zahidur Rahim

(From left) Lily Islam, Chanchal Khan, Sultana Kamal and Nazmul Haque Bhuiyan at the album launch.

The launching ceremony of the album “Amar E Poth,” featuring Rabindra Sangeet by artiste Chanchal Khan, was held at the Dance and Music Centre, Shilpakala Academy recently.
Produced under the banner of G-Series, the album was launched by human rights activist Sultana Kamal. The programme was dedicated to the memory of late Zahidur Rahim. Friends, admirers and family gathered at the event to remember Rahim, a recipient of the Ekushey Padak (posthumous) in 2001. Rahim was one of the leading Tagore singers/teachers of his time and had a major contribution to the cultural movement during the '60s.
Sultana Kamal reminisced on the artiste/activist and provided a brief but insightful review of the album. She also thanked Chanchal Khan and G-Series for holding the event in memory of Zahidur Rahim. Among others, Rahim's family members spoke on the occasion. Nazmul Haque Bhuiyan, managing director of G-Series, presided over the function. “E pothey ami je gechhi bar bar,” a song recorded by Rahim collected from Bangladesh Betar (radio) archive, was played at the function, stirring everyone emotions.
Prominent artistes who were students of Rahim -- Chanchal Khan, Iffat Ara Dewan, Rokaiya Hasina, Mahiuzzaman Chowdhury, Mujibul Qaiyum and Shama Ali rendered songs at the programme and recalled their associations with the late artiste. The programme was conducted by artiste Lily Islam.