Basking in the brilliance of Nazrul

Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Sangstha (BNSS) organised a two-day (June 1- 2) Nazrul Shammelan marking the 114th birth anniversary of our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at the main auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum. General Secretary of BNSS Khairul Anam Shakil delivered the welcome address. Eminent Nazrul exponent Professor Rafiqul Islam was the key speaker. Grand-daughter of Nazrul, Khilkhil Kazi spoke on behalf of the poet's family. President of BNSS Khalid Hossain also spoke at the event.

Apart from a discussion, solo and choral rendition of songs, recitation and dance presentations marked the event that featured renowned and promising artistes of BNSS. Artistes of BNSS set off the musical show with the choral song “Dao Shourjo Dao Dhoirjo”. Young artistes of the organisation also presented a chorus “Tora Shob Joyodhwani Kor”.

Noted artistes including Khalid Hossain, Salahuddin Ahmed, Suman Mazumdar, Sharmin Sathi Islam, Nasima Shaheen, Bizon Chandra Mistry and Khilkhil Kazi performed to a receptive audience. But most of the promising singers did not live up to the expectation. The lack of proper rewaz and devotion appeared missing in the performances, which was easily exposed in offerings that are rich in raga and taal, and in his kavyageeti. However, apart from the artistes, the organisers must also share the responsibility, in order to have Nazrul music flourishing in the country.

Sharmin Sathi Islam's rendition of “Keno Ka(n)dey Poran” displayed superb depth and melody, and had a soothing effect on the audience, while promising artiste Deboshree Antara seemed off-focus in her rendition. The differences were stark once again, in the comparative performances of Bizon Chandra Mistry and Sujan Rahman (Kushtia). While Mistry did justice to one of his latest album covers “Matir Protima”, Sujan -- despite his melodious voice -- could not lend cadence to the Behag genre “Nishi Nijhu Ghum Nahi Ashey”.

However, promising artistes Maksudur Rahman Mohit Khan, Sanjay Kabiraj and Sushmita Debnath Suchi lived up to their reputations, while emerging artiste Swarna Nag also put on a good show.

Young artistes render a chorus (top); Khilkhil Kazi sings at the event. Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon

Seasoned artiste and a Chhayanaut teacher Suman Majumdar -- inclined to offering lesser-known numbers –kept the audience rapt with his rendition of “Oi Ghar Bholano Sur-e.” Nasima Shaheen captivated the audience with a Bhairavi genre “More Ghum Ghorey Ele Monohor”. The lyrics seemed to encompass the souls of lovers.

Elocutionists Shimul Mustafa and Mahidul Islam earned the hearts of many with their outstanding offerings of Nazrul poem “Bidrohi” and “Abhibhashon”. Choreographed by Samina Hossain Prema, artistes of Bhabna danced to two spirited numbers “Durgam Giri” and “Aaji Rokto Nishi” at the event.

Renowned Nazrul Sangeet artistes -- Suman Chowdhury, Khairul Anam Shakil, Yakub Ali Khan, Ferdous Ara, Yasmin Mushtari, Fakir Shahidul Islam, Masuda Anam Kalpana and Mahmudul Hasan Mohammad along with a number of promising artistes performed solos on the concluding day (June 2) of the shammelan. With choreography by Sharmila Banerjee, Nrityanandan artistes gave a dance performance at the event.