Citibank honours Alauddin Ali

Citibank, NA, paid homage to eminent lyricist, composer and music director Alauddin Ali, honouring him with Gaan-e Gaan-e Gunijon Shongbordhona for his lifetime contribution to Bangla music. The event, held yesterday at Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka, was organised by Citibank, NA, Bangladesh as an annual programme to pay tribute to renowned artistes.

Citibank, NA, Bangladesh's Shams Zaman, Director, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, and N Rajashekaran, Country Officer, along with renowned singer Syed Abdul Hadi and eminent artist Mustafa Monwar, Chairman, Bangladesh Shishu Academy were amongst the speakers at the ceremony. Citibank honoured the iconic music director with a crest, a painted portrait of himself and a cheque for his outstanding contributions to enriching the cultural heritage of Bangladesh. Eight-time national award winning music director Alauddin Ali is the only music director, whose compositions have been rendered by artistes from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

During his speech, Alauddin Ali enthused, “I am thankful to Citibank for honouring me at this event. I am truly amazed. If the banks and corporations render their assistance to the artistes, Bangladesh will shine brighter in the realm of music, art and culture.“

Special guest Mustafa Monwar mentioned, “A young Alauddin Ali started his career of music direction in TV, in the then pre-liberation Bangladesh. With his melodic creations, he reigned the Bangla music scene in the post-independent era.” During his address, Shams Zaman said, “Not only did Alauddin Ali enrich the sphere of Bangla music, but he also contributed immensely to Bangla films with his timeless creations.” Syed Abdul Hadi further added, “Taking essence from the classical, folk and western music, Alauddin Ali successfully created his unique adhunik songs. They are full of melody and aesthetic beauty.”

Following the award giving ceremony, Syed Abdul Hadi mesmerised the audience with his presentation of several songs which were composed by Alauddin Ali. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the numbers Keu Kono din Amareto Kotha Dilo Na, Chokher Nojor Emni Koira and Ekbar Jodi Keu Bhalobashto. Alauddin Ali played the harmonium along with Syed Abdul Hadi's performance. Later, promising singers Farzana Ali and Sunan Arif presented several songs which were also composed by the awardee.