In presence of Atulprasad's melodies

Atulprasad Sen was born in Dhaka to a musical family in 1871, and although he went on to find professional success as a lawyer, his connection with music went deeper with age. Regarded as one of the poncho-kobi or five major lyricist-composers of Bangla music (along with Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Rajanikanta Sen and DL Roy), he is said to be one of the pioneers of intertwining Hindustani classical music in Bangla songs. Paying tribute to his rich musical legacy, Bengal Foundation held a soiree at The Daily Star-Bengal Arts precinct on Thursday evening, titled “Momo Moner Bijone”. 

Sifayet Ullah opened the soiree with one of Atulprasad's most recognizable creations, “Moder Gorob Moder Asha”, and went on to perform “Ke Go Gahilo Gahile Pothe”, “Ogo Nithur Dorodi”, “Momo Moner Bijone” and “Muroli Kande Radhe Radhe Bole”.

Seasoned artiste Laisa Ahmed Lisa took the audience on a musical joyride, opening with “Badol Jhuma Jhuma Bole”. Her repertoire included “Ami Bandhinu Tomar Teere”, “Modhukaale Elo Holi”, “Daake Koyela Baare Baare”, “Ke Abar Bajay Bashi”, “Jabo Na Jabo Na Ghore” and others.

Bengal Foundation Chair Abul Khair attended the soiree, as did cultural luminary Dr. Sanjida Khatun, and eminent Indian Sarod player and teacher at Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay, Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar.