Noted Nazrul artiste Khairul Anam Shakil, recently performed at Jalpaiguri, India at the 'Jalpaiguri Sangeet Utshab 2009.'

On his returri from the festival, the artiste spoke to The Daily Star about his tour, shared his experiences of the festival and more.

Shakil attended the event at an invitation from the Indian Centre for Cultural Relations (ICCR). This is the second consecutive event of its kind. Noted Tagore artiste Rezwana Chowdhury Bonna attended the first festival in 2008. The festival was organised by AICURD and supported by ICCR.

About the festival, Shakil says, “The experience was simply wonderful. For three days, artistes from various regions of India came to the festival, turning the event into a celebration of Bangla music.”

“I performed at the festival on the opening day,” added Shakil.

"The festival kicked off on December 4. The first to take the stage were talented and upcoming singers of Jalpaiguri, who performed wonder-jfujly,” said Shakil.

jalpaiguri is enriched wi& cultural diversity. To promote local talent, the organisers aimed at providing the upcoming singers a common platform with established artistes," he added.

“I performed Nazrul songs one from each genre — Khayal, Ghazal, Kabyo Geeti, Bhatiali and a few raga based songs of Nazrul."

Songs performed by Shakil included “Keno ano phulo dhoro”, "Eki oshim piyasha”, “Padmar dheurey" and more.

Among other participating artistes were noted singers Sraboni Sen and Dr. AnupGhosal.

At the festival Shakil met Bhawaiya artiste from Cooch Behar, Shukh Bilash Burman. Burman has established an institute in the name of maestro

Abbasuddin in Cooch Behar and regularly celebrates his birth anniversary there.

Talking about the positive response from the audience, Shakil said that, “Among the audience were many Bengalis who live in JalpaignrirWji^pjl rendered various compositions^ of Nazrul they were simply amazed--there is hardly any Bengali genre where Nazrul hasn't left his mark. Some of them came forward and thanked me after the performance."

“The organisers and people were very hospitable and friendly, The festival featured performances of Nazrul and Tagore numbers, compositions of Manna Dey, Shalil Chowdhury and songs of yesteryears,” said Shakil.

"Representing my country at any foreign festival is always a great experience. Cultural exchange can be a very positive thing in creating friendly relationship between the two countries,” concluded Shakil.