Keeping Tagore's legacy alive

Marking the 156th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, exponents of his works spend the latter half of Baishakh celebrating his legacy. Fahim Hossain Chowdhury is a leading Tagore singer as well as the General Secretary of Bangladesh Rabindra Sangeet Shilpi Sangsad (BRSSS), who plays an active role in the promotion of Tagore's works in Bangladesh. 

On May 15, the singer will take part in a television programme titled “Aj Shokaler Amontrone” on Tara Muzik. When asked about his performance for the show, he stated: “During the first half I will perform songs that Tagore composed in Bangladesh – in Shilaidaha, Patishar. After this I will perform popular songs by Tagore. Opportunities to present a wide variety of his compositions on television like this are quite rare, and usually we are limited to performing just a couple of songs.”

On May 10, BRSSS will hold a musical evening celebrating Rabindra Jayanti at the National Music and Dance Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. “This is our fourth year in hosting such programmes,” said the artiste, “and this time we are inviting around 32 artistes to perform. The ensemble will include well known names, as well as emerging singers in this particular cultural scene.”

The artiste also elucidated the various limitations such cultural organisations face, “Aside from funding, there is also a lack of interest from listeners. We face a lot of challenges when seeking to present Tagore's works outside of his popular compositions. People are also hesitant to attend musical programmes if well-known Tagore singers are not performing. This prevents up-and-coming artistes to gain footing, and talented singers who are not famous are not heard. Our organisation seeks to change all that.”