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

PMusicians 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

Early on in my life, I don’t think I was influenced by Rabindranath Tagore aka Kobiguru’s music because I equated his poetry to sad songs. It was around my 21st birthday that I discovered his music.

I was watching the film Charulata (1964) and heard the song Ami Chini Go Chini Tomare sung by (singer) Kishore Kumar. It was such a lilting melody that I got hooked to it. I asked my father what it meant and it was romance at its peak. I fell in love with Rabindra Sangeet that day. My sister introduced me to his other works and after listening to his songs, I learnt how to express something in a really simple way. I also learnt versatility from Kobiguru’s works.

Ami Chini Go Chini Tomare and Akash Bhora

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I’ve grown up listening to Rabindranath Tagore’s songs. I’ve also recorded a lot of his songs in my singing career, including His songs are like a tutorial for musicians, as they are not easy to sing. You need a

lot of passion and proper understanding of his poetry. His work has had a huge impact on me, as a singer. I believe if you sing Tagore songs regularly, your skill as a singer really sharpens. You can imbibe thehraav and variations in your singing if you sing Rabindra Sangeet. Favourite Tagore work : Tumi Robe Nirobe

Rabindranath Tagore