An offering of music and dance to Tagore

Cultural programme by VCARE at Sheraton
On the occasion of Rabindranath Tagore’s 148th birth anniversary, a cultural programme was held at the Ball Room, Hotel Sheraton on May 11. The programme, arranged by VCARE, featured recitation of Tagore’s writings, rendition of Rabindra Sangeet, and staging of the Tagore dance-drama “Shyama.”
Manzur-Ur-Rahman, former senior vice-president of Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, formally inaugurated the programme. A group dance performance commenced the cultural programme. Artistes of Nrityalok Sangskritik Kendra also performed a group dance at the programme.
Noted reciters Pragna Laboni and Mahidul Islam recited several poems and writings of Tagore, including a duet performance of “Hothat Dekha.” The solo performances by Laboni and Mahidul were “Achena,” “Pratigga,” “Paye Cholar Poth” and “Aji E Prabhatey.”
Mahidul also read out an open letter to Tagore from Shaheed Harun-Ar-Rashid. The letter was found with Rashid’s corpse during the Liberation War. The letter — narrating the brutality of war — was first read out on Akashbani, Kolkata in 1971.
Seasoned Tagore singer Fahim Hossain Chowdhury, along with Nargis Chowdhury, rendered several songs at the programme. Nargis’ performance included familiar numbers, “Chokher aloye dekhechhilem” and “Shokhi bhabona kaharey boley.” Fahim Hossain also rendered widely-known Rabindra Sangeet, including “Tumi ki keboli chhobi,” “Aakash bhora shurjo tara” and “Ogo bideshini.” Both artistes seemingly struggled with the uncooperative sound system throughout their performances.
Dance-drama “Shyama” was the last item to be staged at the evening. The production featured dancer-model Sadia Islam Mou and noted dancer Kabirul Islam Ratan in the lead roles.
The drama narrates the story of a court-dancer, Shyama, falling for Bajra Sen, a merchant from overseas. The play starts with Bajra Sen acquiring a priceless set of jewels called ‘Indramanir Haar’ from Subarna Dwip. Soon, he is seen being chased by a royal guard. They come across Shyama and her acquaintances. Strikingly beautiful Shyama is pursued by many but her heart is set on Bajra Sen since their chance encounter. The royal guards arrest Bajra Sen and Shyama starts plotting how to rescue the object of her affection and soon comes up with a plan.

Courtesy of The Daily Star