Sudeshna Sanyal: The Indian singer who calls Bangladesh ‘Maa’

Sudeshna Sanyal Rudra is a Rabindra Sangeet singer, who is also a dancer as well as a priest. She has a deep connection with Dhaka, usually calling Bangladesh her 'Maa'. She has come to Dhaka almost 20 times and every time she leaves the country, she leaves behind a part of her heart.

Recently, she visited Dhaka upon the invitation of Bangladesh Rabindra Sangeet Shilpi Shongstha, to celebrate the 34th 'National Rabindranath Music Festival'. She also performed in the two-day-long programme which was organised on May 12 and 13. 

This year, her Bangladeshi tour was really special, as she got to visit her idol and legendary Rabindra Sangeet exponent, Sadi Mohammad, for the first time.

In conversation with The Daily Star, the singer opened up about her love for Bangladesh, the Rabindranath Music Festival, and much more. 

Hridoy aamar prokash holo anonto aakashe. The sky that hovers over both countries is the same. We are all Bengalis who are bound together with language, culture and love for music. There is a barbed wire between the two countries, but nobody can separate our love for one another. This love is what pulled me back to this country. 

Sudeshna Sanyal at the 34th 'National Rabindranath Music Festival'

This year, I came to Dhaka upon the invitation of Bangladesh Rabindra Sangeet Shilpi Shongstha. Renowned singers Amina Ahmed (executive president) and Tapan Mahmud (president of the organisation), gracefully welcomed me to their programme and also made me perform in their programme. I was literally spellbound by all the beautiful performances by the other artistes and the crowd's love for Rabindra Sangeet. This is the third time the organisation invited me and yet every time it feels surreal. 

I can honestly say that the people of Bangladesh love Rabindra Sangeet more than West Bengal. These people love Rabindranath from the depths of their heart. The people of Bangladesh know how to show their love, as they always call me to their house whenever I come here.

Sudeshna Sanyal performance at the 34th 'National Rabindranath Music Festival'

My mother inspired me to follow my passion for music and I got my talim under my guru and renowned singer, Kanika Bandyopadhyay. I got my official training in music from Shantiniketan and also pursued Monipura dance from the same institution as well. 

Growing up, I listened to Bangladeshi artistes who have inspired me a lot, particularly songs by Sadi Mohammad, Tapan Mahmud, Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya and Mita Haque, among others. 

Indian singer Sudeshna with renowned singer Sadi Mohammad

This time, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit my idol Sadi Mohammad and I was really spellbound by the whole experience. As I got to touch his feet and ask for his blessings, I felt like the happiest soul in the world. He is such a wonderful human being and his principles continue to inspire me. 

My love for Rabindra Sangeet inspired me to become part of Shubhamastu, a group of female priests, headed by its founding member and eminent priestess, Dr Nandini Bhowmick. Apart from chanting vedic mantras, we also perform Rabindranath's songs while conducting marriages.

Read more

Joyita Talukder’s solo album ‘Hridoyashone’ released

I have lots of beautiful memories stored in Bangladesh, but the one that I treasure the most occurred in Shilaidaha, Kushtia. I went there to perform and I met this elderly lady who asked for alms. I told her that I only have Indian rupees and she told me that she didn't need any and gave me BDT 50 taka instead. It's so nice to see such a wonderful soul in this time and age. I took a picture of that lady, which I still keep in my phone. These memories and many more, make my moment in Dhaka truly beautiful.