Coke Studio Bangla has launched a new video song featuring eminent poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s “Karar Oi Louho Kabat", in its original tune sung by young students from numerous educational institutions of the country, to commemorate the 53rd Victory Day.
Debates surrounding the original tunes of the rebel poet’s verses have existed for a long time.
A legal notice was served on the government in order to remove or halt the streaming of AR Rahman’s version of the song “Karar Oi Louho Kabat” from all social media, OTT, and streaming platforms in Bangladesh immediately.
National Poet of Bangladesh, Kazi Nazrul Islam's granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi and grandson Kazi Arindam recently held a press conference to protest against the distorted re-composition of the song “Karar Oi Louho Kopat" by AR Rahman, for the film “Pippa”.
The makers of "Pippa" could have chosen singers with prior experience of rendering Nazrul Islam’s songs.
Oscar-winning musician AR Rahman faced severe criticism for the remake of National Poet of Bangladesh Kazi Nazrul Islam’s song “Karar Oi Louho Kopat”. The general audience from both sides of the border has also been taunting Rahman about the song.
Eminent Indian poet Joy Goswami, shared, “Distorting songs of Kazi Nazrul Islam in this manner is a form of misrepresentation and should not be acceptable. I express my agreement with your protest against such actions.”
According to them, if artistes unite and make this demand collectively without resorting to chaos, then it's possible to find a solution to the crisis that has arisen. Aiming that anyone else will become aware before taking any attempts to alter the tunes of Nazrul and Rabindranath, or any other artiste's work.
Famed music composer-singer AR Rahman’s version of Bengali poet and songwriter Kazi Nazrul Islam’s classic song, “Karar Oi Louho Kopat,” has sparked diverse reactions amongst listeners and admirers of Nazrul Sangeet, making them say “can't play with our emotions."
Kazi Nazrul Islam was a revolutionary catalyst of Bangla literature, who evoked power through his words. He was a poet, novelist, playwright, speaker, newspaper editor, film actor, music maestro, and contributed to the Liberation war as a Shobdo Joddha and political activist.
Today marks the 47th death anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam who is revered as the rebel poet. On this day, several television channels have arranged quite a few special programmes in his honour.
"During his lifetime, Kazi Nazrul Islam expressed grief over the modification of his music to modern tunes, in his own words," addressed renowned Nazrul Sangeet exponent Khairul Anam Shakil, who is the Chairman of Nazrul Institute and General Secretary of Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Sangstha.
‘It’s been two years today, a full two years, and it continues to amaze me that people run for their lives the moment they see me.
I proposed a panel at a North American Bangla literary conference. ‘Is translation itself a form of activism?’ I queried.
Gems of Nazrul’s primary objective is to raise more awareness among the younger generation about Nazrul's ideology, philosophy, and artistic masterpieces.
I sing the song of equality– Of a country where fresh joy blossoms in every heart
Kazi Nazrul Islam (1899-1976), was a poet, novelist, lyricist and musician in Bengali, and was popularly known as the rebel poet.
Kazi Nazrul Islam’s work remains just as relevant and beautiful 123 years after his birth.
Like a wounded bird, my songs/ tumble down at your feet, my love.