Gurusaday remembered at Shilpakala

By Rahad Abir

Bratachari Bangladesh organised a discussion, followed by a cultural programme on the occasion of the 127th birth anniversary of Gurusaday Dutta, pioneer of the bratachari movement at the Music and Dance Centre of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, in Segun Bagicha on Saturday.

Novelist Selina Hossain, Professor Shoumitra Shekhar of Dhaka University and Bratachari Bangladesh secretary general, Enamul Latif were present as the discussants at the function while the organisation’s president and language activist, Emdad Hossain presided over the programme.

The programme began with the song Bangla Aamar Durnibar by the young artistes of the organisation, Kendriya Kochikachar Mela. They also sang Aamara Bangali, Chal Kodal Chalai and Manush ho. In the discussion, Selina Hossain said, ‘Gurusaday mentioned the peasant’s as gentlemen. People of this generation should learn more about him and we should remember him for his ideal thinking.’

Enamul Latif, highlighted Dutta’s life and works and described the five bratas – knowledge, hard work, truth, joy and unity – of the bratachari movement. ‘The bratachari movement was also spread to Europe, but we have little research on the movement,’ added Enamul Latif.

Language activist Emdad Hossain said, ‘Gurusaday is a man of our land. He hailed from Sylhet. We should always remember this great man with pride. Poet Rabindranath Tagore was influenced by his philosophy.’ In the next session, Jesmine Munna recited a poem titled ‘Banshiwala’ of Rabindranath Tagore.

Shadhona, a centre for advancement of South Asian music and dance presented the ‘Raybeshe dance’, that was directed by Lubna Marium. This special kind of martial art dance form was presented by the lathials of the zamindars of the country. The performers captivated the audience.

Later, the traditional lathi khela by Chan Mia and his troupe from Manikganj also delighted the audience. Chan Mia along with his seven members performed different types of lathi khela.

Source: NewAgeBD.

Shakila Zafar celebrates 30 years of music

By Ariful islam Mithu - May 18, 2009

Celebrating thirty years in the music scene, noted singer Shalika Zafar delighted the audiences by performing in a solo musical programme.

Amra Surjomukhi, a cultural organisation, arranged the programme at the auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum on Saturday evening. Eminent cultural personality Syed Hasan Imam inaugurated the programme while journalist Rahat Khan was present as the chief guest.

 Noted lyricist Shahidullah Farazi, media personality Atiqul Haque Chowdhury, Shakila Zafar’s present music teacher Sanjib Dey, actor Dr Enamul Huq, dance artiste Shamim Ara Nipa, and Shafiqul Islam Salim of Amra Suryamukhi among others was present at the ceremony. Shakila Zafar started performing with a raag song along with her current Ustad, Sanjib Dey.

Later, Shakila rendered some songs of her own choice including two Nazrul songs, Bone chole bono mali and Kholo kholo duar. Later she sang some popular modern songs, like, Jaagi eka nijhum rate, and Kije tumi chau. As a response to the requests of the audiences Shakila also sang some additional songs including Bondhuder bhalobasia kandi.

She performed the first song of her career Tare bolbo amar monar katha which she had sung along with Fatema Tuz Zohra and later performed a few playback numbers like Morone tare pabe, and Patharer prithebite ache hriday.

She also presented songs on request by the audience such as Bhulite parina tare bhola jayna, Tumi mistikore ektu bolo along with some Tagore songs like Amar bela je jay sanjh belata and Aj jotsna raate.

She concluded her performance by singing the romantic number, Tumi amar pratham shakal. Shakila was accompanied by Biswajit Sarkar on tabla, Richard Kishore on bass guitar, Zahid Hossein on keyboards, Hanif on octopad, and Monir Hussein Tutul on lead guitar. ‘She is a fantastic singer and I enjoyed the show thoroughly,’ said Shahidul Alam, a service holder after the show.

Mahmuda Khatun, a senior school teacher told New Age, ‘I am overwhelmed after seeing the programme. Moreover, her gestures and smile create an impact when she sings. I have really enjoyed it.’

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Padakkhep Children’s Festival ‘09 ends

Cultural Correspondent - may 14, 2009

A two-day children's festival, arranged by non-government organisation Padakkhep Bangladesh, ended yesterday at the Shawkat Osman Auditorium, Central Public Library. The festival featured diverse cultural performances, including songs, dances, recitation and staging of theatre by children from across the country.

On the first day, chief guest, Industries Minister Dilip Barua, inaugurated the programme. Among the speakers at a discussion prior to the colourful cultural programme were folk researcher, Dr. Shamsuzzaman Khan; former secretary Syed Margub Morshed and poet Asad Chowdhury. Badal Chowdhury, president, Padakkhep Bangladesh presided over the proceedings.

The first day's cultural pro-gramme, which continued till evening, featured performance by 30 children's troupes. On the second day, the programme started early in the morning with a painting and hand writing competition at the Library premises. At the auditorium, a cultural programme was held at noon, which featured songs, dances and recitation by the children.

Morshedul Islam's children film "Duratta" was screened in the afternoon, while the award and certificate giving ceremony for the painting and hand writing competition was held in the evening. Among others, noted litterateur Imdadul Haque Milon was present at the award-giving programme. Festival co-ordinator Asma Chowdhury Jhuma gave the vote of thanks.

The two-day programme wrapped up with a play, "Swapnalokey." Child artistes of Meghdut Natya Sampraday staged the play.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Fahmida Nabi charms the NRBs

Cultural Correspondent - May 12, 2009

Recently singer Fahmida Nabi visited the United States. The purpose of her visit was to attend a Dhallywood award giving ceremony, which featured nearly 60 Bangladeshi artistes and cultural personalities. Arranged by the Bangladeshi expatriates in the US, the programme was held on May 2 in Columbus, Ohio. 

Fahmida also attended a programme in Jackson Heights, New York, responding to expat Bangladeshis' requests. Talking about the tour, the singer said, "Both programmes were hugely successful. NRBs are very cordial and remain passionate about Bangladeshi music." The artiste informed that at the New York show, she performed several Rabindra Sangeet and songs from her recent album "Swapno Chhowa Bhalobasha." "I was surprised that they requested me to perform songs which I don't sing often. This implies they listen to a range of songs by me," she said.

So far a solo album, "Aamar Bela Jey Jaye," featuring Tagore songs by Fahmida, had been released and she wants to record more Rabindra Sangeet but not very soon. "I promised Bangladeshis in the US that I will record another album of Tagore songs but it will take time as I ardently want to delve into the genre," said Fahmida. During her short tour, the artiste also enjoyed her new image as one of the judges on the popular talent hunt show "Close Up 1." 

Fahmida returned home on May 6 and is getting busy with her upcoming projects. At present, she is working on a new album featuring songs written by the late theatre icon Selim Al Deen. The album is expected to be released on Al Deen's birth anniversary.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Jagoron celebrates Tagore

Cultural Correspondent / May 11, 2009

Cultural organisation 'Jagoron Shangskriti Chorcha O Gobeshona Kendra' (JSCGK) held a two-day special event titled “Kobi Pronaam” at the Department of Dance of Music, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), celebrating the148th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore, starting from May 8. 

The event featured solo and group rendition of songs, dance, recitation and more. An exhibition on Tagore's paintings was also held as part of the celebration. A total of 20 reproductions of Tagore's paintings were put on display. 

The two-day event featured performances by nearly 25 noted and emerging Tagore artistes. On May 8 the show started with a recitation of the Tagore poem, “Aji ei probhatey rabir kor” by Ahkamullah. A group performance of the Tagore number “Hey notun dekha dik aar baar” by Sur-er Dhara followed.

On the first day a total of 10 artistes -- Himadri Shekhor, Shoma Rani Roy, Mamun Zahid Khan, Chhaya Karmakar, Azizur Rahman Tuhin, Salma Akbar, Pijush Barua, Rezwana Chowdhury Bonnya, Mahiuzzaman Chowdhury and Papia Sarwar -- performed at the programme. Ahkamullah and Dalia Ahmed presented recitation. Lively dance performances by Nrityam added to the attraction.

On the second day solo performances were staged by Mita Haque, Sajed Akbar, Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Fahim Hossain Chowdhury, Sharful Alam, Farhin Khan, Swati Sarkar, Ashim Dutta and others. Group performances were staged by Surtirtha and Jagoron. Laila Afroz and Belayet Hossain presented recitations and dance performances were staged by Nritya Nandan.

This was the first programme by Jagoron. The organisation was founded on April 2008. The event was supported by Step Media Ltd.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

SEHD hosts 10-day cultural programme

By Khamin / May 10, 2009

The Society for Environment and Human Development (SEHD) will arrange a ten-day cultural programme upholding the story of tea workers, forests and forest people from today at Drik Gallery in city’s Dhanmondi area.

The programme titled ‘The story of Tea Workers, Forest and Forest People’ will feature two photography exhibitions, book launching and screen films. The inauguration of photography exhibitions will be held at 10:00am, followed by a book launching ceremony and the screening of the documentary film ‘Cha Shramiker Katha’, directed by Ronald Halder and Philip Gain. The film is produced by SEHD.

Novelist Selina Hossain will be present as chief guest while Kilmeny Backering Vinckers, deputy high commissioner of the Australian High Commission in Dhaka is expected as special guest at the ceremony.

Dr Noazesh Ahmed, Nawab Ali Abbas Khan, and Raja Devashish Roy, among others, will be present as guests of honour. Professor Sakwat Ali Khan will chair the function. The photography exhibition titled ‘The story of Tea Workers in Bangladesh’ by Philip Gain will show the lifestyle and working environment of the tea workers. The exhibition is going to display more than 60 images. The organisers will also arrange another photography exhibition titled ‘Stolen Forest’ by Philip Gain and Ronald Halder. The exhibition with more than 70 images is believed to uphold the present situation of the existing forests in the country.

The photography exhibitions will remain open to all from 3:00pm to 8:00pm and the film festival will remain open from 6:00pm to 8:00pm everyday till May 19.

Lists of Films

May 10, Time: 6:00pm
Venue: Drik Gallery, Dhanmondi, Dhaka
The Story of Tea Workers (45 minutes)
Directed by Ronald Halder and Philip Gain
Premiere screening: 10:15am

May 11
Teardrops of Karnaphuli (60 minutes)
Directed by Tanvir Mokammel
On the bank of the Dhanshiri River (24 minutes)
Concept and Photography by Dr Noazesh Ahmed

May 12
Riders to the Sundarbans (60 minutes)
Directed by Tanvir Mokammel
Chakaria Sundarban: A Forest without Trees (25 minutes)
Directed by Junaid Halim

May 13
Satchhari (32 minutes)
Directed by Ronald Halder
Our Sal Forest (45 minutes)
Directed by Ronald Halder
   
May 14
Stolen Forest (45 minutes)
Directed by Philip Gain and Junaid Halim
Bon Sundari Sundarban (40 minutes)
Directed by Ronald Halder
   
May 15
Tanguar Haor (38 minutes)
Directed by Ronald Halder
The Story of Baikka Beel (15 minutes)
Directed by Ronald Halder
   
May 16
Coastal Life (25 minutes)
Directed by Ronald Halder
The Ganges
Produced by BBC
   
May 17
Mandi (28 minutes)
Directed by Ashfaque Munir
Khumi Lives (32 minutes)
Directed by Ittukgula Changma
   
May 18
A Nimble Walk through Five Protected Areas (27 minutes)
Produced by Nishorgo
Maleya Taroom (15 minutes)
Produced by Tamaza Films
   
May 19
Herbal Pathways (24 minutes)
Produced by Anna Hickman
The Great Global Warming (75 minutes)
Produced by Channel 4

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Tagore’s birth anniversary celebrated at Silpakala Academy

By Rahad Abir / May 10, 2009

To celebrate Rabindranath Tagore’s 148th birth anniversary, the ministry for cultural affairs organised a cultural programme at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Silpakala Academy on Friday.

The entire programme was comprised of solo and group musical performances, dances and recitations based on Tagore’s works. Noted singers of Tagore music, recitation and dance artistes from all over the country participated in the programme. The event started off with a dance performance along with the song ‘Aguner parashmani chhoyao prane’, choreographed by Anisul Islam Hero and performed by the members of Srishti Cultural Centre.

Popular singers of Tagore music; Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Azizur Rahman Tuhin, Salma Akbar and Rezwana Chowdhury Banya, among others, sang and delighted the audience with popular Tagore music. The songs included ‘Majhe majhe tobo dekha hoy’, ‘Anbo na anbo na’, ‘Tumi ki kebali chhobi’ and ‘Aami kan pete roi’. Bhaswar Bandapaddhay recited a poetry written by Tagore and is titled ‘Prithbi’. And Ranjit Raxmit of Chittagong recited the poetry ‘Ora Achhe’.

The members of the dance organisations, Nritya Nandan, performed a dance which was choreographed with the song ‘Shefali boner moner kamana’. The Odissi and Tagore Dance Movement Centre presented a dance choreographed with ‘Baje baje ramya bina’, and Nrityam presented ‘Oi mahamanab ase’. Some noted Tagore singers such as; Papia Sarwar, Lily Islam, Tapan Mahmud, Kader Kibria, A M M Mahiuzzan, Khandakar Khairuzzaman Kaium, Shama Rahman and Ashok Saha of Kustia, among others, sang in the programme. The members of the cultural organisations Pratiti, Abhudyaya and Rabirag presented group performances directed by Mansura Begum, Ajit Roy and Saadi Muhammad respectively.

The entire show seemed to have enchanted the audience. And the hall was fully packed, as the cultural programme was open for all.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Chhayanaut holds Tagore programme

Ariful Islam Mithu / May 10, 2009

On the occasion of the 148th anniversary of birth of Rabindranath Tagore one of the leading cultural organisations Chhayanaut arranged a cultural programme in its auditorium in Dhanmondi in the evening of Friday.

A good number of singers and recitation artistes delighted the aficionados of Tagore by singing songs and reciting from the works of the poet. The programme started with a recitation by Tamanna Tithi. Then one after another the singers showered the rains of melody on the audience amid summer-heat.Kanchan Mustafa sang ‘O hey sundar momo grihe aji’; then Tanzina Pervin sang ‘Probhu aji tomar dakshin haat’ and Nirjhar Chowdhury sang ‘Majhe majhe tobo dheka pai’.The song ‘Tomar preme dhanya koro jare’ was sung in chorus.

Following the chorus, Partha Protim Ray came with the song ‘Joraye achhe badha’. Shankori Saha sang ‘Bolo bolo kobe tomar’ and Johirul Haque Khan came on the stage and recited the ‘Khaya Kabya’. Besides the younger artistes, noted singers of the country also attended in the soiree. Among them, Iffat Ara Dewan sang ‘Dhay jeno mor sakol bhalobasa’.

The singers of Chhayanaut sang the song ‘Aji pranami tomare chalibo nath’ in chorus. Tania Mannan sang ‘Jani jani kon adikal hote’, and ATM Jahangir sang ‘Prane khushir tufan uthechha’.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com