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The many facets of Nazrul

Shimul Mustafa talks about the National Poet

Jamil Mahmud
His poetry and nationalist activism earned him the title, 'Rebel Poet.' Accomplishing a large number of much-admired works throughout his life, Kazi Nazrul Islam is more than a rebel. He was an ardent admirer of love and har-
binger of patriotism, as well as a versatile lyricist-composer. His poetry added new dimensions in the field of recitation in Bengal. On the eve of the National Poet's 110th birth anniversary, renowned recitor Shimul Mustafa talked
about Nazrul's versatility and genius that continues to encourage recitors.
"Nazrul was a turning point in the field of recitation in our country. Before Nazrul, it was predominantly writings and poems of Tagore that our recitors chose to work with to satisfying their inner feelings. Through Nazrul's poetry recitors started to highlight different political and sociocultural aspects. Nazrul's son Kazi Sabyasachi was the pioneer in this regard, who came to fame in the 1960s and ’70s," said Mustafa, who has been a widely known recitor in our country for nearly three-decades
"This continuation and revolution in the field of recitation carried out a significant role in our Liberation War," he added.
To signify the essence of Nazrul's poetry and writings that drives the recitors to perform fervently, Mustafa finds the inner tempo and emotion beneath his highly composed words that are magical to recite.
"Though it is difficult to find out the proper meaning of some of his words, the tempo, emotion and inner strength of them are powerful enough for the recitors to want to read out Nazrul's writings," said Mustafa.
"Nazrul was a versatile genius. He deconstructed himself whenever he wished. He is known as the Rebel Poet,' but this title alone does not denote Nazrul on the whole. He was rebellious, yet romantic. I think, he worked on the spur of the moment. Whatever was on his mind, he penned that instantly," Mustafa said of Nazrul's versatility.
Mustafa feels that the lack of interest among the youngsters to learn about Nazrul and other maestros is the cause that ’s driving us in a culturally vulnerable position. "It is our incapability that we have not completely understood or evaluated Nazrul. I fear we may not be able to bring the message of Nazrul to the youth of our country," said Musafa. "It is our (Nazrul enthusiasts') duty to introduce his treasure-trove to the nation," he added.
Mustafa suggests the younger generation of recitors as well as artistes from others fields who are working on Nazrul to come forward and highlight more works of the National Poet. According to Mustafa, "The lack of preservation of Nazrul's works is one of the main causes behind the prevalent disinterest. We need more audio-visual works featuring his songs, poems and writings."
Mustafa has had the great privilege to work on Nazrul's works. So far he has released 30 albums featuring 70 poems, letters and essays by Nazrul. He said, " Usually I select poems by different poets in my albums or solo performances, which is a kind of homage to them." One of Mustafa's albums, "Jugalbandi," along with Indian artiste Saumitra Chattopadhyay features poems of Nazrul and Rabindranath, in which Mustafa recited Nazrul and Saumitra performed Rabindranath.
"Chithi," a duet album with Sharmin Mustafa (1995), features letters of legends, including a couple of Nazrul's works.