Noted lyricist, composer and poet Rajanikanta Sen, was commemorated at a programme that celebrated the legend’s 150th birth anniversary. Jatio Rabindrasangeet Sammilan Parishad (Dhaka City) organised the programme at the Chhayanaut auditorium on Friday evening. The programme titled Moron Paroshe Taari Gaan included presentation of songs that were composed and written by Sen. One of the highlights of the event was noted Kolkata-based artiste and music teacher Dilip Kumar Roy, grandson of Rajanikanta Sen, who attended the programme as chief guest. Kolkata based singer Archana Bhowmik, who is also one of the disciples of Dilip Kumar Roy also attended the programme.
Although in his nineties, Dilip Kumar Roy managed to impress the audience with his performances. The artiste sang some of the most famous numbers of his grandfather at the programme. His selection included the likes of Kutil Kupothe Dhoria, Durey Soriya Achhi and others. He also talked about the legacy of his family in music and his own passion for all things musical.
‘Singing is my fascination and was never a thing for me to earn money,’ said Roy.
The programme also included chorus presentations by the artistes of Jatio Rabindrasangeet Sammilan Parishad. Numbers like Tumi Antoheen Birat and Ato Alo Biswa Majhe were applauded by the audiences.
In other chorus renditions, noted singer Iffat Ara Dewan rendered Jagao Pothik Hey in her tuneful voice. Shahed Imam, ATM Jahangir, Salma Akbar presented Ami Okrito Odhom, Dhir Somirey and Ora Chahite Janena at the programme.
The programme also included screening of a documentary on life and works of Dilip Kumar Roy.
To note, Rajanikanta Sen (1865-1910) is considered among one of the five great poets(Panchakabi) of Bengali language; the four other being Kazi Nazrul Islam, Rabindranath Tagore, Dwijendralal Ray and Atulprasad Sen. Born in the village of Bhangabari in present day Pabna, Rajanikanta demonstrated his poetic prowess at the early age of 15 by composing songs dedicated to the goddess Kali. Well known anthologies Bani (1902) and Kalyani (1905), are two of his most notable works. Besides, the great musician also wrote two other books titled Pathachintamani, a book of Kirtan songs, and Abhay Bihar, a book of his lyrical poems.
-With New Age input
