‘FOR US, RABINDRA SANGEET HAS BEEN LIKE A TUTORIAL’

On Tagore’s birthday today, singers talk about how his work has impacted their art

Musicians often talk about the importance of Rabindra Sangeet (poet Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry and music), in honing their skills. It’s an integral part of the Bengali cultural heritage and has been used in several Bengali and nonBengali film songs over the years. On Tagore’s birthday today, singers Shaan, Kumar Sanu and Palash Sen share how his work has impacted them.

As a Bengali born and brought up in Mumbai, I always felt like I missed out on my Bengali roots. I also felt incomplete as a singer to not have explored Rabindra Sangeet. So, when I decided to record a Rabindra Sangeet album in my late 30s, I realised what I’d been missing out on. His poetry has depth and his compositions are so intrinsic. It was a huge learning for me. It opened up a whole new world and helped me evolve in thought and perspective. I’ve been taking refuge in his songs ever since. Though I have never tried to consciously use Gurudev’s works as inspiration or influence, I’m sure they have had a positive impression in my thinking and music.

Shudhu Tomar Bani and Tumi Robe Nirobe

The OTT platforms have undoubtedly boosted careers of many, including Ankur Dabas. The actor, who is earning plaudits for his role in web film Kaun Pravin Tambe? says, “Web series have changed the lives of so many struggling actors, and are also giving a real and honest perspective to the audience.”

Talking about success of his sports film, he says playing a real pivotal character like cricketer Ajay Kadam was very difficult, and he had put in a lot of hard work to make it look as alive as possible on-screen.

“I did not imagine getting so much appreciation for my role. I never felt like this before and at first, I was confused about my feelings when I saw the audience appreciating me as an actor. Still give me chills to just talk about it,” he says.

Dabas says that the young audience these days prefers to watch a real story with unknown actors, over a drama starring famous stars. “OTT has introduced so many new actors, and most of them are from the theatre. Being a theatre student, I know the feeling you get after playing a good role onscreen. That’s why you see (actors) Pankaj Tripathi, Manoj Bajpayee and so many great theatre actors in web series more often now. Web space is giving a chance to struggling actors to prove their talent,” he adds.

Rabindranath Tagore

Je Chilo Amar Swapono Charini.