Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 5, 2025, Kolkata : The city of Kolkata paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary composer Salil Chowdhury, marking the centenary of his birth with a grand celebration at the Charubasana Art Gallery. The event, held on Saturday evening, brought together music, memories, and an exploration of the life of one of India’s most distinctive musical voices. Organized by the Anandi Communication Center and Rupsha Sahitya Patrika, the celebration was a blend of nostalgic performances and thought-provoking discussions on Chowdhury’s monumental contribution to music and culture.
The evening began with an evocative rendition of Salil Chowdhury’s timeless songs by Dr. Amitabh Chanda, an eminent physician and music enthusiast, at the Upendrakishore Sabhaghar. These golden-age compositions, which had long been a staple of Bengali music, were brought to life again, reminding the audience of the profound emotional depth and intricate beauty of Chowdhury’s work. The performance was a fitting tribute to a man whose music transcended time, blending classical and folk influences with an unmatched melodic sensibility.
Artist Ritwik Mitra, alongside the community, also performed a special piece titled Ankat Salil through Vrindaban, paying homage to Chowdhury’s musical genius. Their performance highlighted the innovative nature of Chowdhury’s compositions, often ahead of his time, and the profound cultural impact his work has had over the years.
In addition to the musical tributes, a discussion on Chowdhury’s life and legacy took center stage. Eminent writer and journalist Shankar Lal Bhattacharya shared his reflections on the composer’s journey, while also lamenting the fact that Chowdhury had not always received the recognition he truly deserved. Bhattacharya stressed that despite his towering stature in the world of music, Chowdhury did not always enjoy the full respect his genius warranted. His poignant insights added a layer of depth to the evening, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the contributions of such remarkable artists in the cultural history of Bengal.
The event also saw the participation of several notable figures from various fields, including renowned artist Jogen Chowdhury, Rajya Sabha MP and lawyer Sukhendushekhar Roy, and Professor Manasi Roy Chowdhury of the Techno India Group. Their presence further underscored the cultural significance of Salil Chowdhury’s legacy, as people from all walks of life gathered to honor his memory.
The entire event was meticulously conducted by the renowned musician Indrani Bhattacharya, who expressed that the initiative aimed to shed light on the extraordinary life and works of Salil Chowdhury, a true giant of Indian music. The proceedings were presented by Sudipta Mukherjee, whose eloquence helped guide the audience through the evening’s program.
As the night unfolded with the sound of Salil Chowdhury’s melodies and the thoughtful discussions surrounding his life, it was clear that Kolkata had come together not only to celebrate a musical legend but to ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
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