Young Aritra Panda (picture) held out the hope that the younger generation has not forgotten Atulprasad Sen while delivering the pathos-filled “Aami bandhinu tomaar teere”. He was part of the motley group that took part in Bangla Gaaner Ashar organised by Shristi Parishad at Sovabazar Natmandir. His vocal prowess was a heady combination of emotional and musical tenor.
Pushpita Samajdar had an out-of-sync start with the keyboard player in the difficult tappa, “Anugato jone keno”, but recovered to make good use of her pin-sharp voice and high range. Subhashis Mitra was more effective in “Nao charaiya de”, while Subhashis Majumdar added a retro feel to “Harinaame nando roshe”, a kirtan anga. Swapan Shome’s simple arrangements made “Jokhon andhakare antare” innovative.
Shankhabina Sangeet Gosthi faltered in the rhythm of “Tumi je shurer agun” as did Sri Sangeet Sanstha in “Gahana kusuma”. Godhulir Alo Sangeet Gosthi brought a sense of spirituality to “Banga amaar janani amaar”, a Dwijendrageeti.
Stage management could have been better.
