Path-breaking singer Ajit Roy remembered

Artistes perform at the event. Photo: Prabir Das

Marking the third death anniversary of iconic artiste Ajit Roy, Abbhyudoy Sangeet Angan arranged a memorial programme at the auditorium of Bishwa Sahitya Kendra on September 5. Roy was the founder of the musical organisation.

The event featured a discussion and a musical tribute by the artistes of the troupe's Dhaka and Chittagong branches. Eminent cultural personality Kamal Lohani was chief guest at the occasion.

Artistes paid their musical homage to Roy by performing two choral songs “Ondhokar-er Utso Hotey” and “Kobe Ami Bahir Holem” at the programme. Later, the artistes predominantly performed solo Tagore songs and spirited songs set to tune from poems.

Noted Tagore singer Roquaiya Hasina Neeli, who directed music for the programme, rendered a song “Tobu Money Rekho”. Artistes of Abbhyudoy (Chittagong) performed two choruses “Shadhinota Tumi” and “Hey Mahajibon” .Shreyoshi Roy, daughter of Ajit Roy, also performed a solo and led another choral song “Dhumketu”.

Among others, Baitun Nahar Popy, Paresh Bhoumik, Nipa Adhikari and Sejuti Dey rendered “Jibon Moroner Simana Chharaye”, “Akashey Dui Haat-e Prem”, “Dariye Achho Tumi Amar” and “Amar Jibon Moroney” respectively.

Born in 1938, Roy was inspired by the Language Movement and took to singing in 1952. In 1963 he began to perform for radio and TV. He composed several timeless patriotic songs, including “Ekti Bangladesh Tumi Jagroto Jonotar”, “Opomaney Tumi Shedin Joley Uthechhiley”, “Banglar Mukh Ami Dekhiachhi” and “Hey Bongo Bhandarey Tabo”.

Roy joined Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (SBBK) in 1971 and inspired the nation to combat the Pakistan occupation forces.

He rendered “Amar Sonar Bangla”, “Jago Onoshon Bondi” and composed several inspirational songs for SBBK. He composed the first song announcing the victory of Bangladesh: “Shadhin Shadhin Dikey Dikey Aaj”.

In 1972 he joined Bangladesh Betar (radio) as music director, and retired in 1996. Roy has several awards to his credit, including the Shadhinota Padak, the highest award of the country (in 2000).