Star Melodies, an initiative for Bangla music by The Daily Star, held a memorial programme on eminent music exponents and researchers Sudhin Das and Karunamaya Goswami at the AS Mahmud Hall of the office this past week. Eminent Nazrul researcher Professor Emeritus Rafiqul Islam elaborated on the roles of the duo along with the chronological timeline of contributions of Nazrul artistes throughout history. He also guided the artistes to follow the swaralipi (notation) books containing the original tunes of Nazrul's Gramophone records. Renowned artistes joined the programme to share their memories of the iconic duo, while young artistes paid musical tribute to the deceased.

The singers set off the event with a choral rendition of the song “Mrityu Nai, Nai Dukkho”. Following the welcome address by renowned Nazrul exponent Sadya Afreen Mallick who hosted the event, singer Khairul Anam Shakil said, “Until the '80s, Nazrul Sangeet was just sung however they felt - whether it was the proper tunes, proper words, no one made sure. Sudhin Das took the initiative to rectify this problem, by collecting the original records. After the records were collected, within the first year, 10 swaralipi books were published. Sudhin Das tried, till his final moment, to raise awareness of the proper notations and make sure Nazrul's music was celebrated.”

Guests pose for a group photo

The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam said, “We are all aware of the brilliant contributions of these two people in the world of music, especially of their efforts in uplifting Nazrul Sangeet in the country. I want to pay my utmost respect to them both”

Ferdous Ara, before introducing her students who performed at the event, said: “The misfortune is that we had to lose two people who played a big role in taking Bangladesh forward. I would like to thank The Daily Star for holding this programme to not only pay respect to the stalwarts but also to give a platform to young artistes.”

Promising artistes of Sur Saptak -- Parisha Binte Rahman, Shangita Rahman and Monjuri – beautifully performed songs –“Piu Piu Birohi Papiya Bole”, “Gobhir Nishithey Ghum Bhenge Jaye” and “Shey Chole Gechhe Boley” respectively.

Fatema Tuz Zohra stressed on the need to take Nazrul forward and to make Sudhin Das's work worthwhile by working together.

Dr. Rafiqul Islam began with the journey of Dhaka Betar, and went to speak about the distortion of Nazrul Sangeet. “During the 60s, in Kolkata, Nazrul Sangeet started getting distorted and its effect was falling upon singers of Dhaka. Sudhin Das stepped forward to rectify this. Even though he would practice many kinds of music, he left everything behind and till his last breath he worked for the perfection of Nazrul Sangeet. At Nazrul Institute, behind the book of swaralipi it is written that the tune, lyrics and notations found on the gramophone records are to be considered authentic. Many an artiste worked for the purity of Nazrul Sangeet, but none did like Sudhin Das.”

(From Left) Salauddin Ahmed, Khairul Anam Shakil and Rezauddin Stalin address the event.

Deputy Director of Nazrul Institute, Rezauddin Stalin said, “It is important to have universities and schools as a part of such programmes. At Nazrul Institute we are trying all we can, but due to lack of funds we are falling behind.”

Nazrul Institute artistes Zarif Ikram and Israt Jahan Mim rendered two songs “Tobo Mukhokhani Khujia Phiri Go” and “Amar Aponar Cheye Apon Je Jon”. Noted singer Dr. Fakir Shahidul Islam Sumon wrapped up the soiree with the song “Khela Shesh Holo Shesh Hoy Nai Bela”. Asit Biswas on esraj and Apurba on tabla accompanied the performances. 

Dalia Nausheen said, “Sudhin-da was my teacher when I was five. My parents wanted me to learn from him. He began with teaching me classical music. I began Nazrul Sangeet a little later, but that was when I realised how much I loved music. Sudhin-da was the kind of man who never did anything for fame or fortune. He did purely out of the love for music and the love for Nazrul.”

Singers Salauddin Ahmed, Shelu Barua, Rebeka Sultana and Chhanda Chakravarti also shared their memories of the mentors.