Carrying Nazrul's legacy forward

Anindita Kazi is an elocutionist, singer, Nazrul researcher and the youngest member of the family of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the National Poet of Bangladesh. The Kolkata-based artiste is now in Dhaka ahead of the 117th birth anniversary of the Rebel Poet.   

Organised by Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), Anindita performed in a programme titled “Aninditar Thakurdar Jhuli”, featuring recitation, songs and talk on May 20 at the IGCC auditorium as tribute to her grandfather Kazi Nazrul Islam. In a conversation with The Daily Star, she shared her continued efforts to uphold the literary, cultural and humanistic legacy that Kazi Nazrul Islam created in his lifetime. Excerpts: 

“I always focus on the story of Dukhu Mia's transforming as Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam when I talk about my grandfather. Many tried to label him as Hindu or Muslim in the past; but the society recognised and revered him as a true poet who uttered the loud and unique voice for the human beings. His poetry, songs and other literary creations are evocative of that. As a descendant of the poet, my responsibility is to uphold and diffuse the entire life philosophy of Kazi Nazrul Islam among the younger generations.”

“Nazrul is the voice for the masses. He was ever-young and could inflame the positive and progressive thoughts among the young. From his early childhood, the poet thought religion can never separate human beings from each others' affection and empathy. He struggled against all forms of bigotry, superstitions and for this he had to go through various tests of time and life.”

“The forgotten and the marginalised have been precisely depicted in the literature of Kazi Nazrul Islam. The poet always believed that the contributions of the labourers, porters and farmers are immense in the making of civilisation. The death of his son Bulbul, the sickness of his wife Pramila, the sublime poverty and never-ending life struggle haunted him all the time. He had to borrow money in exchange of his songs, poems and stories, yet the poet, with his immense creative power, patience, perseverance and artistic detachment, created a vast volume of literary masterpieces that speak of love and rebellion, mother nature and human beings, freedom and emancipation and more.”

“The liberal aspect of Kazi Nazrul Islam is unparallel. Very few poets established the status of human beings, irrespective of religion, gender, caste and creed so high that Nazrul did. We are grateful to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who entitled my grandfather as the National Poet of Bangladesh. The poet peacefully lived his last years in Bangladesh. I am also grateful to Bangladesh's Premier Shiekh Hasina for her commitment to uphold the conscience and philosophy of Kazi Nazrul Islam, which is relevant till date.”  

Anindita Kazi is the daughter of guitarist Aniruddha Kazi. She got a first class in music from Allahabad University. She was formerly President of Tara TV, one of the most popular Bengali TV channels of India. Anindita is also a reputed Nazrul Sangeet artiste and elocutionist and has given many performances in TV channels and stages in India, Bangladesh and many other countries of the world.