Rezwana Choudhury Bannya is a legendary exponent of Rabindra Sangeet in Bangladesh. She has achieved great popularity, respect and fame, both in Bangladesh and worldwide, for her outstanding contribution to music. Bannya will perform today evening 6:30pm at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre. Recently, Dhaka Tribune caught up with the talented singer:
What songs are you performing tonight?
The songs I will perform today are from the major parts of “Gitabitan” (Garden of songs written by Tagore). I will sing songs from “Puja” (worship), “Prem” (love), “Prakriti” (nature), “Swadesh” (patriotism), and “Aanushthanik” (celebration). I will also perform requests from my audience. It’s all about passion for singing and entertaining music lovers.
Tell us about your new album.
Few days ago, I have released my latest album, it was well received by my fans. Like always, I have tried to give my best in the album, it is not too difficult for me, as I love singing. I am thinking of releasing my next album featuring Tagore’s songs very soon. Most of the work of album is done.
What are you occupied with currently?
I am busy with performing onstage and currently I am well occupied with numerous shows.
Trained under late Kanika Bandyopadhyay, Bannya has mastered Tagore’s songs in their full flavor. The sweetness in the tonal quality of her voice combined with the effortless control of the tune and perfect pronunciation of each word makes her Rabindra Sangeet a distinct and divine experience for the connoisseurs.
Bannya, born in Rangpur, Bangladesh is attracted to and passionate about music since her childhood when she commenced her musical training under her uncle Abdul Ali.
Subsequently, she trained under Sanjida Khatun and Atiqul Islam in Chayanaut and at the Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts in Dhaka. Her love and passion for Rabindra Sangeet intensified and flourished at Shantiniketan where she went to continue her music training under ICCR scholarship.
In Shantiniketan, she received training from stalwarts like Neelima Sen, Shudish Bandopadhyay, Asesh Bandyopadhyay, Shoilajaranjan Mazumdar, Shantidev Ghosh, Gora Sarbadhikary and Manju Bandopadhyay. She enjoyed a very close and special relationship with Late Kanika Bandopadhyay in particular that transcended the traditional Guru-Shishya parampara(tradition).
Bannya considers Kanika Bandopadhyay as her friend, philosopher and guide. It was with her inspiration that Bannya established “Shurer Dhara,” a music school in Dhaka in 1992. She has extensively travelled to almost all parts of the globe presenting Rabindra Sangeet to the global audience. She has released innumerable CDs and albums that have attained immense popularity and recognition.
