Musical twins spread the gospel of Bengali music
Purba Audhora and Urbi Modhura, two teenage musicians from London, showcased their love and respect for Rabindranath Tagore in the presentation of "Poshchimer Robi", last Friday at Chhayanaut.
Despite living in London, the musical duo always maintained a strong bond with their Bengali culture through Bengali music.
In a candid conversation with The Daily Star, the twin sisters and their father opened up about their musical memories.
From a tender age, both sisters have followed their father, acclaimed Tagorean music maestro Dr Imtiaz Ahmed. "We have been with Bangla music our entire life," said Purba. "I still remember maa and baba playing our aunt Lisa's Rabindra Sangeet albums and reading Bangla books to us at bedtime."
"We have always felt a strong connection to Bangladesh, and finally coming here after so many years fills us with joy," said Urbi.
"Being a Bangladeshi is a matter of pride for us. Bangla music and culture connects us to our roots," says Purba.
Adept in both Bangla and English music, the musical duo have sung with their father, Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, at multiple concerts around London, introducing Bengali culture and music to the British society.
Purba Audhora and Urbi Modhura, two teenage musicians from London, showcased their love and respect for Rabindranath Tagore in the presentation of "Poshchimer Robi", last Friday at Chhayanaut.
"They have been learning Bangla and English songs since they were young," shared Dr Ahmed. "We, as their parents, have not neglected English music. They have learned multiple musical instruments as well."
"Our mother took the initiative to make us join English choirs and learn Western music. As a result, Western music has also been a big part of our lives," added the twins.
The musical twins are part of the prestigious National Youth Choir of Great Britain, and also the Novem Consort.
Through their mother and father, Urbi and Purba came to know about Tagorean music. "We have always enjoyed baba teaching us Rabindra Shangeet," mentioned the twins. "When we were kids, maa enrolled us in Bengali dance lessons for a while and introduced us to even more Bengali music."
"For us, music allows us to know about our heritage, our history, and culture," smiled Purba and Urbi.
Last Friday, in the "Poshchimer Robi'' cultural programme at Chhayanaut, the musical twins sang the English songs which inspired many of Rabindranath's classics, accompanied by their father who sang the classical Rabindra Sangeet.
"It was an exhilarating experience singing the English songs that inspired Rabindra Sangeet," shared Purba.
"Coming here and singing at the Poshchimer Robi event, listening to the songs and recitations filled my heart with respect and pride," said Urbi.
As a Bangladeshi, both sisters are quite passionate about Bangla music. "We have always instinctively loved Bangla music," said the two sisters. "Bangla music always invigorated our spirit, and with the support of maa and baba, we never faced any difficulties practicing our music."
Currently, Purba and Urbi have just finished their high school education at Southend High School for Girls. "Music is what connects us to our roots and our journey with it has just begun," concluded Purba and Urbi.