In the midst of monsoon, five noted singers – Mahadeb Ghose, Priyanka Gope, Shimu Dey, Md Yousuf Ahmed Khan and Shukonna Mazumder Ghosh – brought down showers of encapsulating melodies in Emon Diney Tarey Bola Jai… Srabon Shondha-e at The Daily Star Centre. Presented by Star Melodies, an initiative of The Daily Star promoting Bangla music, the event was slated to commemorate monsoon and love in the most endearing way possible – with music.
Sadya Afreen Mallick, Chief of Culture Initiatives, hosted the event, which started with wonderful renditions of Pagla Hawar Badol Dine and Rim Jhim Rim Jhim Ghono Deya Boroshe by students of Tejgaon College, as Star Melodies regularly provides opportunities for young students to showcase their talents on the platform.
“I wholeheartedly welcome you to our programme, thank you all for coming,” said Mahfuz Anam, the Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star, “to my knowledge, we are the only newspaper that hosts a musical night every month.”
The mellifluous evening truly took off when Shimu Dey rendered the classic Sraboner Dharar Moto Poruk Jhore by the Kabi Guru. She went on to perform Ogo Amar Srabon Megher Torir Majhi, Srabono E Shondhay and the latter of which was arguably her most touching performance of the evening. The inspired effort was matched by Md Yousuf Ahmed Khan’s performances of Badhlo Badhlo Jhulniya, Ogo Borsha Tumi Jhoro Nako and perhaps most impressively, Srikanta’s masterpiece, Amar Sharata Din.
Shukonna Mazumder Ghosh, with her profoundly soothing voice, brought forth the vibes of a monsoon shower with Shawon Jhoom Jhoom Brishti and Emono Badolo Dine. The entire audience were in awe of the young artiste’s wonderful performance, as loud applauses rolled in before the end of each track.
Priyanka Gope, a renowned singer with an already illustrious career, weaved magic with fantastic renditions of Shokhi Shedin Srabone Dulechhinu, Amar Badol Din and Shawni Ri Rup.
Noted Tagore singer Mahdeb Ghose’s presence was a blessing to the musical atmosphere, as he rendered Godhuli Gogone Meghe Dhaka Chhilo Tara. The aura of the veteran turned the night into one of euphonious glory. When he started singing the Hemanta classic, Ei Meghla Dine Ekla, the entire auditorium sang along, turning the concert into one of nostalgia and feel-good moments. The musical evening ended with his emotional rendition of the titular song, Emon Dine Tarey Bola Jay, and a light classical Sawani by Priyanka Gope.
In the absence of rain yesterday, in an otherwise outspoken monsoon, the programme was a memorable tribute, synthesizing the rain with unmatched melodies.
