Kamal Ahmed to perform solo musical soiree

Kamal Ahmed is one of the more popular and devoted Tagore singers in the country at the moment, along with being the former adviser of Rabindra Sangeet Shammelon Parishad. Throughout his career, he has managed to become an iconic music enthusiast with a visible passion for the art form. Besides performing regularly on Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television, and other TV channels, he has also taken Tagore songs to different countries like India and Sri Lanka. Tonight, he is performing at a solo musical soiree organised by and held at the National Museum. In a quick chat with The Daily Star, Kamal Ahmed speaks about what he has in store for the audience.

What songs have you prepared for the audience?

Kamal Ahmed: I have been thinking about making a compilation of certain songs alluding to the weather and also songs of love, by Tagore. So I will be focusing on these mostly. I will begin the soiree with “Abar eshechhe ashaar”, and of course, I will be performing the title song of the programme – “Srabon ghono gahon mohe.” I feel like the two -- monsoon and romance -- make the perfect combination for any musical evening.

How much do you think Tagore exists among the youth of today, and what can we do to increase their involvement?

Kamal Ahmed: I think anyone in the country who is involved with art and culture is involved with Tagore. But as the country moves forward, a lot of the leaders taking us forward have forgotten their roots, for which they have become more distant from cultural affairs. With these leaders looking away from cultural activities, it leads the youth towards deviation too. I think if we can mordernise Tagore without destructions of the songs, we can bring the youth closer to it.

What do you think is the impact of Tagore on our culture?

Kamal Ahmed: I think Tagore is for every Bangali, of all generations. Whatever we feel, think, observe-- Tagore has written about it. As long as our culture survives, Tagore will survive with it- now, and forever.