Chhayanaut marks Nazrul’s 50th death anniversary with music, dance and recitation

Chhayanaut marked the 50th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam with an evening of music, dance and recitation at its Dhanmondi auditorium on Thursday.

Titled “Nazruler Gane Matowara Dhaka”, the programme began at 7pm and brought together Nazrul songs, dance performances and recitations, reflecting the poet’s themes of rebellion, humanity, intellectual freedom and social emancipation.

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Chhayanaut General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa delivered the welcome address, highlighting Nazrul’s historical connection with Dhaka and his association with the Shikha group of the Muslim Sahitya Samaj.

Lisa said the programme also commemorated the intellectual and rebellious spirit of the young people associated with the group a century ago, whose ideas sought to challenge intellectual restrictions and envision social freedom.

The cultural programme opened with Gargi Ghosh performing the solo song “Asile Ke Go Atithi Uraye Nishan”.

Chhayanaut artistes then presented “Oth Re Chashi, Jagatbasi, Dhar K’se Langal” and “Durgam Giri Kantar Moru” through ensemble singing and dance. The ensemble also performed “Chal Chal Chal”.

The solo performances featured several familiar Nazrul songs. Shaheen Samad sang “Eto Jal O-Kajal Chokhe”, while Bijon Chandra Mistry performed “Bagichay Bulbuli Tui”. Aishwarya Samaddar sang “Ami Ki Sukhe Lo”, Rezaul Karim performed “Bosiya Nadi Kule”, and Mirajul Jannat Sonia sang “Na Mitiye Sadh Mor”.

Other solo performers were Afsana Runa, Suman Majumdar, Nasima Shaheen Fancy, Sharmin Sathi Islam and Sanjida Bithika. They performed “Andhar Rate Ke Go Ekela”, “Jao Jao Tumi Phire”, “Nishi Bhor Holo Jagiya”, “Charite Paran Nahi Chay” and “Keno Pran Othe Kandiya”, respectively.

Mahmuda Akhter and Dewan Saidul Hasan jointly recited excerpts from Nazrul’s poem “Khaled”. The programme concluded with Khairul Anam Shakil performing “Amar Kon Kule Aj”.

Nazrul died in Dhaka in 1976. His 50th death anniversary was observed across Bangladesh on August 27 this year, with cultural institutions holding programmes to commemorate his literary and musical legacy.