Clockwise (from top left): Mita Haque, Tapan Mahmud, Joyonto Chattopadhyay and Laisa Ahmed Lisa perform at the programme. Photo: Golam Mahbub

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) paid homage to Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore by arranging a musical- cum- recitation programme at its Music and Dance Centre auditorium yesterday.

The even marking the poet's 70 death anniversary, featured song rendition and recitation of bani (verse) of the bard. Director general of BSA Liakat Ali Lucky delivered a welcome speech at the event, while artistes of Kendrio Khelaghar Ashor embarked on the programme with the song "Aguner Poroshmoni Chho(n)yao Praney".

Actor Joyonto Chattopadhyay together with Shyamoli Sultana recited seven Tagore poems, while seven Tagore singers: Mita Haque, Tapan Mahmud, Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Bulbul Islam, Salma Akbar, Fahim Hossain Chowdhury and Saida Hossain Papri rendered two songs each.

Tagore oxymoronic thoughts on death like "Moritey Chahina Ami Sundar Bhuboney" and "Moron Re Tuhu Momo Shyam Saman" were beautifully performed by Joyonto Chattopadhyay and Mita Haque. The imagery of Radha's spiritual attachment to Shyam (Krishna), portrayed in the number "Moron Re Tuhu Momo Shyam Saman" was superbly presented by Mita Haque.

The rendition of the songs "Tumi Robey Nirobey" and "Je Raat-e Mor Duarguli Bhanglo Jhorey" by Bulbul Islam were greeted with loud applause while Laisa Ahmed Lisa's presentation "Chiroshokha, Chhero Na Morey" seemed to evoke melancholic emotions among the small audience that had turned out for the event.

Tapan Mahmud, Salma Akbar, Fahim Hossain Chowdhury and Saida Hossain Papri respectively offered "Ami Chanchal Hey Ami Sudurer Piyashi", "Ebar Dukkho Amar", Hey Mor Debota", "Puub Haowatey Deye Dola" and more at the event.

Syed Meher Hossain and Chandan Datta (tabla), Yousuf Khan (sarod), Ekram Hossain (esraj), Mohammad Moniruzzaman (banshi), Jamal Uddin (violin), Nurul Islam (guitar), Zahid Hossain (keyboard) and Bishwajit Sen (mondira) instrumentally assisted the singers and the two reciters.

Mashkur-e-SattarKallol hosted the programme.