“Tagore's creations are his gift to us”… Mahadeb Ghose

Mahadeb Ghose is a noted Tagore singer. On Tagore's birth anniversary, we got his perspective of the bard:

What attracts you to Rabindra Sangeet?

Mahadeb Ghose: The love and emotion that I have for Rabindranath and his songs came naturally. But as a singer, I like the harmony between his words and tunes since his lyrics and tunes together create melodies. His songs are raga-based but they are distinct, as Tagore impeccably used ragas in his melodies. He always prioritised tunes instead of confining himself to rigid boundaries. Also the variety of his songs is unmatched in the world of Bangla music. Starting from Puja to Prem, Prokrit and Prarthona, Tagore's songs are closely interlinked to Bengalis, their emotions, and this land.

What sets Tagore apart?

Mahadeb Ghose: The way he perceived the essence of our culture and heritage is clearly visible in his songs. Not only that, Tagore brought universality to Bangla songs, intertwining local tunes with foreign tunes. His songs are perfect example of internationalism and harmony. Tagore never neglected his native tunes, but he mixed them with foreign tunes and created something beautiful.

Does Tagore continue to inspire us today?

Mahadeb Ghose: He left his footmark wherever he went. In many parts of the world, including Japan and some part of Europe, Tagore is highly esteemed. Even today, he is inspiring generations. Shantiniketan hosts students from around the world and through such institutions, Tagore's songs and philosophy have spread globally. His songs, writings and philosophy will keep attracting many more people in the future. I believe his creations are his gift to us.