Celebrating the legacy of SD Burman

Thanks to timeless melodies like "Ke Jash Re", and "Tumi Aar Nei Se Tumi", the name Sachin Dev Burman needs no introduction to Bangla song lovers.

To pay homage to the legendary lyricist and composer, cultural organisation Banhishikha organised a two-day musical festival titled "Sachin Dev Burman Sangeet Utsav" at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital, starting on Friday.

It was inaugurated by State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, who was also the chief guest.

In his keynote speech, he said, "Deliberate expositions are required on SD Burman for the development of Bengali art and culture. It is important to preserve the artiste's legacy."

Shah Alam Sarwar, managing director and chief executive officer of IFIC Bank, and Manjar Chowdhury Sweet, general secretary of Ganasangeet Samannay Parishad, were present as special guests.

In his speech, Sarwar said, "Folk music is an amalgamation of thousands of years of cultural practices of a demographic. Burman, with his individualistic style and musical gift, went forward and contributed outstandingly to foster and develop the music of this subcontinent."

Presided over by the Banhishikha's President Ghulam Quddus, its secretary Abida Rahman Setu delivered the welcome address.

Following the inauguration ceremony, prominent artistes from Bangladesh and India's West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura paid tribute to the maestro, celebrating the richness of his compositions in musical presentations and dance recitals over the weekend.

The cultural part commenced with a rendition of the popular tracks "Dur Kon Porobashe Tumi" and "Tere Mere Milan Ki Yeh Raina",performed by Banhishikha artistes.

Bangladeshi dance troupe Spandan and Assam's Saumitra Shankar Dance Group staged group recitals, choreographed to the songs of SD Burman.

Chandana Majumdar mesmerised the visitors with evergreen melodies – "Ke Jash Re", "Rangeela Re", and "O Jani Bhromora". Meanwhile, Mamum Jahid Khan beautifully presented "Tumi Aar Nei Se Tumi", "Kandibona Phagun Geley", and "Barne Gandhe Chhande".

Sandipan presented "Jhilmil Jhilmil Jhiler Jole" and "Shono Go Dakhin Hawa" while Setu performed "Ei Chaiti Sandhya Jay Britha" and "O Kalo Megh Boltey Paro".

Tanuja Dev Burman, great-granddaughter of the legend also performed at the event.

"It is wonderful to see how Bangladesh celebrates SD Burman. We, along with other musicians, come to this festival every year and meet enthusiasts who encourage us to take his legacy further," she said.

Indian singers Shirshendu Roy and Arina Mukherjee also performed at the event, which concluded yesterday.