Yesteryear once more

Star Melodies, an initiative of The Daily Star to promote Bangla music, hosted a special musical evening titled, Songs of Five Ambidextrous Composers and Lyricists of the Golden Era, at A S Mahmud Seminar Hall of The Daily Star Centre. The programme was held in association with Dhaka Bank Limited.

The music creators of the 50s, 60s and the 70s of the last century have immensely contributed to enrich Bangla music. This eon is regarded as the golden era in Bangla music.   

The musical soiree featured presentations of the selected songs composed by the legendary musicians -- Salil Chowdhury, Khan Ataur Rahman, Sudhin Dasgupta, Prabir Majumdar and Jatileswar Mukherjee. Noted artistes Rumana Islam, Mamun Zahid, Mohammad Rashed and Tanjina Karim Sharalipi performed at the programme.

Sadya Afreen Mallick hosts the programme. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Rumana Islam, daughter of Khan Ataur Rahman, started off the soiree with her father’s composition, Tomar Agune Porano. The singer beautifully performed several other songs, including Eki Sonar Aloy, Akashey Aj Rong-er Khela, Antabihin Katena and Jodi Aar Dekha Nai Hoy.

Mamun Zahid next took the stage and rendered several scores, including Ekhono Ei Raat, Amake Porate Jodi and Oi Akash Prodeep. The singer captivated the audience with his soulful performance of the Manna Dey record, Baje Go Beena.

Mohammad Rashed’s version of the Sudhin Dasgupta composition Eto Sur Aar Gaan was captivating. The soothing melody of the number touched the hearts of many. His repertoire included a Bashir Ahmed record, Jarey Jabi Jodi Ja, a Jatileswar Mukherjee classic, Keu Bole Phalgun, a Salil Chowdhury number, Moner Janala Dhorey and Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye from the film, Anand.

Tanjina Karim Sharalipi first performed the Salil Chowdhury composition, Nijere Haraye Khunji. The promising singer fantastically presented the Asha Bhosle record, Nach Moyuri Nachrey, Prabir Majumdar’s O Tota Pakhirey, Jatileswar Mukherjee’s  Ami To Haar Menei Achhi and Aaja Re Pardesi from the Hindi film Madhumati. 

The soiree also incorporated a melodic duet performance of Khan Ataur Rahman’s composition, Aha Ki Je Shundor by Rashed and Sharalipi, originally sang by eminent singers Bashir Ahmed and Sabina Yasmin. 

Election Commissioner Mahbub Talukdar (3-L) was present at the event, among others. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

The music-loving audience thoroughly enjoyed the programme. Election commissioner Mahbub Talukdar, also a renowned poet and lyricist, spoke at the programme. “Melody plays a povital role in a song. When melody merges with lyrics, a song embraces eternity,” he said.

Syed Mahbubur Rahman, CEO and Managing Director of Mutual Trust Bank Limited, and noted lyricist Ferdous Hasan Bhuiyan, among others, also spoke at the event.

Sadya Afreen Mallick, Chief, Culture Initiatives, The Daily Star, hosted the soiree, elaborating on the importance and influences of the timeless songs that still continue to quench our musical thirst.