A capacity audience at one of the auditoriums of the Bishwa Sahitya Kendra last Friday was mesmerized by the rendering of Salil Chowdhury’s timeless musical masterpieces. Thanks to the cultural troupe Jaltaranga, the city’s music connoisseurs had the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in some of the finest compositions by the legendary musician.
Jaltaranga—an eleven-year-old organisation dedicated to promoting the richness of Bengali musical heritage—organised the event, with its members performing a selection of Salil’s songs and poems, both composed and written by him. The programme was a tribute to the maestro on his birth centenary.
At the event, Suparnakanti Ghosh—renowned composer of Coffee House-er Adda-ta Aaj Aar Nei—sent a video message wishing success to the centennial celebration of Salil.
The presence of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artist Kalyani Ghosh illuminated the evening, which was also graced by artists such as Shaukat Hayat Khan and Linu Billah, all of whom fondly recalled meeting Salil Chowdhury in person. In fact, six of Kalyani Ghosh’s siblings worked for the wartime Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, where Salil himself had also contributed.
Jaltaranga artists performed nearly two dozen of Salil’s compositions, including Amai Proshno Kore Nil Dhrubotara, Path Harabo Bole Ebar Pathe Nemechhi, Bulbul Pakhi Mayna Tiye, Sat Bhai Champa Jago Re, Kono Ek Gayer Bodhu, and others.
Jaltaranga General Secretary Zakir Hossain Tapan and member Tanvira Ashraf Shyama directed the musical show.
The event concluded with a rendition of the national anthem by the artists, joined warmly by the entire audience.