STAR MELODIES: A musical tribute to our independence

Marking the memorable month of Bangladesh's independence, Star Melodies, an initiative of The Daily Star promoting Bangla music, arranged a musical evening titled Muktijoddhar Priyo Gaan at The Daily Star-Bengal Arts Precinct yesterday. Hosted by Sadya Afreen Mallick, Chief, Culture Initiatives, The Daily Star, the heartwarmingly melodious soiree, presenting personal favourite songs of Freedom Fighters, boasted a lineup of supremely talented singers.

The evening started off with a choir presentation of the timeless songs Dhono Dhanno Pushpe Bhora and Muktir Mondir Sopanotole by students of the Government Music College. Subsequently, Mahfuz Anam, Editor, The Daily Star, gave the welcoming address which was followed by a speech by Freedom Fighter Bir Protik Habibul Alam, who touched upon his memories of the Liberation War. The event unfolded further with performances of Khelichho E Bishwo Loye, Tepantorer Maathe Bodhu He, Ashe Boshonto Phul Bone, E Ki Oporup Rupe Ma and Shaon Raate Jodi by Nazrul Sangeet singer, Yakub Ali Khan.

Yakub Ali Khan

Interspersed with words of reminiscence by the special guests of the evening, Freedom Fighters Bir Protik Habibul Alam, Professor Dr Abdus Salam Khan, Syed Abul Barq Alvi and Syeda Kamal, the musical evening continued to mesmerise through performances by Rabindra Sangeet singer Aditi Mohsin, who charmed the audience with her renditions of the Tagore songs, Anondodhara Bohichhe Bhubone, Dibosh O Rojoni Ami Jeno Kar, Ami Keboli Shopon Korechhi Bopon, Amaro Porano Jaha Chay, Bhalobeshe Shokhi Nibhrite Jotone and lastly, Sharthok Jonom Amar.

Aditi Mohsin

Vocalist Mohammed Rashed masterfully presented the songs Maago Bhabna Keno, Muchhe Jawa Dinguli and O Re Nil Doriya, while Ronti Das intricately rendered Tumi Je Amar and Eki Sonar Aloy . Apart from their respective solos, the two singers performed a duet of the eternal classic Tumi Je Amar Kobita, leaving the listeners in awe. The students of the Government Music College once again took to stage to conclude the evening with the inspiring tune of Purbo Digonte Shurjo Utheche.

(From left) Ronti Das and Mohammed Rashed. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed