A Fairy Tale Musical Night in Daily Star

It was an evening overflowing with pure "Shur."  I had gotten ready, clad in my favorite gadwaal saree and fragrant beli adorning my hair, ready to sing in Chhayanaut that night. But I could not resist the invitation of Sadia apa and thought I would spend at least part of the evening at the Daily Star's celebrations for my favorite poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.  Little did I know what awaited me!

The evening started with the sweet rendition from Chhanda Chakrabarty.  She sang four numbers with ease and grace. "Amar Nayane Nayan Rakhi" was particularly memorable. Shimul Mustafa's full voice gave life to one of the poet's beautiful poems.

Priyanka Gope enchanted the audience with her numbers like Bidaye Shandhya. Her melodious voice and attentive delivery was indeed enjoyable. Because of her excellent classical background she sings Raga based Nazrul songs with needful attention.

Subir Nandi did an outstanding performance by sort of modernizing "Shawon Raate Jodi" in sort of a Jagjit Singh geet style. It was very interesting and different. His rendition of "Chand Harieche Chand Mukh Tar" reminded me of the sher "Vo Teri Galope Jo Kala Teel Hayn Tujhko Malum Nehi Hayn Ye Mera Dil Hayn."  His presentation was different and in pace with modern times.

Yasmin Mustari's sonorous voice forced me to the very front seat so that I could really savor the performance. To really enjoy a 'baithaki style' performance, one needs to make eye to eye contact with the performer to feel his/her vibe. Her performance was memorable and touched my soul.  "Kaberi Nadi Jole" sounded very playful in her voice. But her final number "Keno Elo Obelae," a thumri in Raga Pilu took me to another world. Her beautiful improvisation of this sweet thumri was simply delicious and was well received by the audience.

The evening ended with four powerful renditions of Sheikh Jasim, an excellent singer, along with Riyaz, Awaz and Andaz.  His second number "Mor Priya Hobe Esho Rani" was woven in excellent intricacies and delivered with pure passion.  His final number "Piya Piya Papiya Pukare" was out of this world and it clearly demonstrated both his excellent classical background as well as his emotional "Nibedon" in his song.  The blend was phenomenal.

 It was a night not to be ended.  Like the thousand Arabian nights. I felt like a princess! I feel blessed to have been a part of it.

The author is a singer and writer. She is an Engineer by profession and the rest by passion.