She has not just mesmerised the audience with her soulful rendition just at the age of 9, but also won the hearts of well-known singers like Alka Yagnik, Javed Ali and Himesh Reshmaiya. From classical to semi-classical to chartbusters, Priti Bhattacharya from Burdwan sings all
Here’s a chance for music buffs to create and share their own unique audio-visual sound-tracks of Kolkata, mixing music samples performed by artists at well-known landmarks across the city on a platform brought none other than British Council. Mix the City Kolkata, is an interactive
‘Kaape kaape amar hiya kaape’.. I remember vividly the tune of my childhood days, the first song I heard of Mohiner Ghoraguli. I was just seven and was completely incapable of comprehending the lyrics, deciphering the significance or the essence of the song and feel
• There was an era in Bengal Music, when songs had rich lyrics. Are lyrics still important? My world of songs is centred around my father Salil Chowdhury’s music. I mostly listen to Western and Indian classical music. However, the last time I heard Bengali songs
Did you know the New York Times in 1984 had dubbed Purna Das Baul as India’s Bob Dylan! Well, if Lalon Fakir is the Baul King, Purna Das took baul songs to an international platform, by bringing in a western element to it. Purna Das Baul
This story dates back to the time when our very own bidrohi kobi, Nazrul Islam had taken up the responsibility of composing music for Bengali films. His first work started with 'Dhruba'. The proprietor of Madan Company, Grami Sahib signed a contract with him for
From Shadher Lau banailo morey bairagi to Dama Dam Mast Qalandar, Runa Laila had since long rocked the Indian audience. Despite being a Bangladeshi playback singer, she has been equally popular on either side of the Padma. Not just that she happens to a name
• What drew you to Bengal’s folk art and songs? Being a resident of Santiniketan, folk art comes naturally to me. I started learning music at the age of 6. My first teacher was a folk singer in All India Radio. Later, I moved on to
‘I listen only to Manna Dey’s songs….’ That’s what legendary singer Mohammed Rafi once told his fans. Indeed, Manna Dey was the soul of Bollywood’s playback circuit and still rules 100 years later. Such versatile and melodious voice laced with classical nuances made a niche
Composer, classical guitarist, improviser and ensemble leader Simon Thacker turns music into gold for the ears, and now, he has lent his Midas touch to Baul songs. Born and brought up in Scotland, Simon was always more than interested in music. He chased the strain