Kolkata singer takes Dhaka on musical journey

DHAKA - Kolkata-based singer Kabir Suman wowed audiences in Dhaka when he performed songs popular in both West Bengal and Bangladesh at a solo concert here.

Popularly known as ‘gaanwala’ (singer) in both the countries, Suman also spoke of music to the music aficionados during his tour, his second to Bangladesh, The Daily Star said Monday.

With a piano on the stage and a classical guitar in hands, Suman started singing “Bondhura chhara jeno ei gaan keu na shoney”.

However, at the beginning of this mid-October concert, he seemed a bit weary.

“I’m getting old and I can’t seem to remember things like I used to. Sometimes I forget lyrics of my own songs,” said Suman, now in his early 60s, after rendering “Ek phali megh, ek pho(n)ta jol”.

Throughout the performance, Suman randomly changed instruments. He performed a couple of songs with guitar, and then a few while playing the piano. The programme wrapped up with a piano prelude followed by Suman’s “Jatiswar” and a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne”.