Fellow artistes sing for the ailing singer
Ailing singer Bipul Bhattacharya is fighting for his life at Delta Hospital, Dhaka. A platform featuring noted artistes arranged a concert at the Shawkat Osman Auditorium, Central Public Library, on October 11 for the Bangladesh Mukti Sangrami Shilpi Shangstha (BMSSS) singer. Noted artistes sang at the programme.
The programme was divided into segments. The first part featured the screening of Tareque and Catherine Masud’s documentary “Muktir Gaan”. The documentary follows a group of artistes including Bhattacharya as they made their way through camps to inspire the Freedom Fighters through songs during the Liberation War.
Footages used in the film were actually shot by American cinematographer Lear Levin during 1971. The Masuds found it 20 years later; the footages were in the basement of Levin’s residence.
At the programme Tareque Masud said, “Many of our fellow artistes died without proper medical treatment. It would be a shame if Bhattacharya faces the same fate.”
Tariq Ali, one of the trustees of the Liberation War Museum and a member of BMSSS recalled his days with Bhattacharya during the war. “When we first heard his voice, we were convinced that he would bring new life in our troupe,” he said.
Another member of BMSSS, dancer Lubna Mariam, said, “He was an inspirational member of our troupe. If we try together for Bhattacharya, he will come back to us soon.”
Nazrul singer Sadya Afreen Mallick said that cultural activists should form a platform so that they do not have to arrange fundraisers for an ailing artiste in future.
Among others, Timir Nandi, Dalia Nausheen, Shaheen Samad, Indra Mohan Rajbangshi, Swapon Chowdhury, Khairul Anam Shakil, Shawjeeb, Krishnokoli and Arifur Rahman (of Laser Vision) spoke at the programme.
The concert started with a group rendition of the patriotic song “Dhono Dhanyo Pushpo Bhora”. All the featured artistes of the evening took part in the chorus. Later the artistes performed solos.
Khurshid Alam sang “O Akash O Pahar”. Other singers who performed at the programme were Dalia Nausheen, Indra Mohan Rajbangshi, Sadya Afreen Mallick, Shaheen Samad, Khairul Anam Shakil, Shawjeeb, Krishnokoli and Baul Lokman.
Different organisations and renowned individuals, including the Speaker of the Parliament, also came to Bhattacharya’s assistance. The organisations include the Cultural Ministry, Bangladesh Government; Bangladesh Muktijoddha Shangshad; Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendro, Shangskritik Jote, Liberation War Museum and Chhayanaut.
As his condition worsened, Bhattacharya was moved to the Intensive Care Unit of Delta Hospital, where he has been undergoing treatment since September 27.
Bhattacharya was among those who used their creative abilities to inspire the nation during the Liberation War.
