"Nishi Nijhum"

Photo Courtesy: Bengal Foundation

Accomplished singer and Chhayanaut teacher Nasima Shaheen's latest album of Nazrul Sangeet, “Nishi Nijhum”, was launched at Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts, Dhanmondi, in the capital on April 19. The album features 12 songs, including several kabyageeti, raga-based melodies, and more. Noted Indian musician Durbadal Chattopadhyay has directed the music for the album.

Eminent Nazrul Sangeet artiste Shaheen Samad unveiled the album. Director general of Bengal Foundation, Luva Nahid Chowdhury, welcomed all at the event.

“I have heard Nasima Shaheen's album twice. Her rendition is marked by melody. She has distinctively made the Nazrul Sangeet -- heard many times before -- her own with brilliant vocal embellishment,” said Shaheen Samad.

On the occasion, Nasima performed songs from the album. The singer started off the soiree with the title track “Nishi Nijhum”. The song, set on Raga Behag, contains a melancholic nuance experienced and expressed by a lover yarning for her beloved who is far away.

The artiste's offering of the songs “Sakhi Aar Abhiman Janabo Na” and “Prothom Prodip Jalo”, based on Raga Patdwip, was evocative too. Her repertoire also included “Bhul-e Jeo Bhul-e Jeo”, “Or Nishith Samadhi”, “Ghumayechhey Phul Poth-er Dhulaye”, “Ami Chirotorey Dur-e Choley Jabo” and more.

Almas Ali on violin, Daulatur Rahman on keyboard, Nazmul Alam on percussion and Iftekhar Prodhan on tabla accompanied the artiste.

Nasima Shaheen took lessons on Nazrul Sangeet from renowned gurus including Shaheen Samad and Khairul Anam Shakil of Chhayanaut.