Thursday, March 5, 2009

Prof. Anisur Rahman: A lifetime of devotion to music

Premiere of “Bhuban Bhora Sur” at Public Library

On March 3, a documentary titled "Bhuban Bhora Sur" (Melodies of the Soul) on Professor Anisur Rahman's thinking and interpretation of rendering Rabindra Sangeet was premiered.

Professor Anisur Rahman is a devoted Tagore enthusiast and an interpreter of the rendition of Rabindra Sangeet in a style that is very much his own. Professor Rahman has been praised over the years for his unique approach to Tagore songs.

The premier was held at the Shawkat Osman Auditorium, Central Public Library. Many eminent personalities attended the programme.

Shabnam Ferdousi has directed of the film while Meghna Guhathakurta and Shipra Bose have jointly produced it. Throughout the approximately hour-long documentary, Professor Rahman explains different aspects and ideas that are related to Rabindra Sangeet. The film, shot at different locations, takes the audience from Professor Rahman's living room to Tagore's Kuthibari in Shilaidah.

Professor Rahman has written several books on Rabindra Sangeet as well as on economics. One of his books, titled "Songs of Tagore," contains English translations of 65 Tagore songs and an elaborate discussion on the genre. Professor Rahman received the biennial “Rabindra Award” given by Rabindra Parishad of Patna in 2004.

At an open discussion held after the screening, Professor Rahman's admirers shared their views on the documentary as well as Rabindra Sangeet.

"I would like to describe the documentary as an essay on film. The imagery with Anisur Rahman's rendition is remarkable," said Syed Shamsul Haque.

In his speech, educationist Borhanuddin Khan Jahangir said, "I'd like to thank the director and producers for their effort in presenting the introvert Anisur Rahman through this work."

Among others, human rights activist Sultana Kamal, Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid, film teacher and auteur Manzare Hasin Murad and Shamim Akhtar spoke at the programme.