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Shilpakala remembers Altaf Mahmud and Ranesh Dasgupta

Staff Correspondent
In memory of Shaheed Altaf Mahmud and Ranesh Dasgupta, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) organised a programme featuring discussion and a cultural programme at National Music and Dance Centre auditorium of BSA on June 3.
Eminent journalist and cultural personality Kamal Lohani, gracing the occasion as chief guest, elaborated on the life and works of the literary and cultural genius duo. Professor Soumitra Shekhar of the Department of Bengali of University of Dhaka also discussed at the event. Director of Music, Dance and Recitation Department of BSA Sohrab Hossain delivered welcome address while Secretary of BSA Jahangir Hossain Chowdhury presided over the discussion.
A cultural programme followed where promising artiste Tanjila Islam Luipa performed solo songs "Shudhu Caan Geye Porichoy" and "Shaluk Shaluk Jhiler Jol-e", written by Altaf Madmud while Rokhsana Aktar Roopsha presented Ranesh Dasgupta numbers "Ghumer Desh-e Ghum Bhangatey" and "Pirit Ratan Pirit Jatan" at the event. Noted artistes Shaheen Samad and Fakir Alamgir also performed solos while noted elocutionists Bhashwar Bandopadhyay and Dalia Ahmed recited poems and read out essays at the programme.
A documentary on Shaheed Altaf Mahmud was screened at the programme.
Martyred Intellectual Altaf Mahmud is widely known for his composition of the song "Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushey February", which has become the unofficial anthem of the International Mother Language Day (February 21). This composition, along with others, has given him a unique position in the hearts of Bangladeshis.
A talented painter and composer, Mahmud wrote and composed many patriotic songs which
were played at the Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra during the Liberation War. His composition was used in the movie "Jibon Theke Neya" and other popular Bangladeshi movies. Some of his notable creations include "Satyer Joy", "Bolo Bir" and "Ami Manusher Bhai Spartacus"
Mahmud was born in Patarchar village under Barisal district on December 23 in 1933. He finished his matriculation from Barisal Zilla School. He gained admission to BM College
before he went to Calcutta (now Kolkata) to study painting at the Calcutta Arts School. Mahmud started singing when he was in school. He received his first music lessons from famed violinist Suren Roy. He learnt to sing Gano Sangeet (inspirational songs) that earned him popularity at that time.
Mahmud came to Dhaka in 1950 and joined Dhumketu Shilpi Shongho. Later he became the music director of the organisation. After returning from Karachi to Dhaka, Mahmud worked in 19 films: along with the famous "Jibon Theke Neya", he also worked in films like "Kaise Kahu", "Kar Bou", and "Tanha".
Mahmud took part in the Liberation War of 1971. He created a secret camp inside his house for the freedom fighters. But as the secret leaked out, the Pakistan Army captured him on August 30, 1971. Mahmud was posthumously awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1977 and was conferred the Independence Award in 2004 for his contributions to Bengali culture and the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Eminent litterateur and a founder of I Idichi Shilpi Goshthi, Ranesh Dasgupta contributed greatly to the national cultural movement besides his involvement in the left-leaning politics. His journalistic and creative writings predominantly speak out against fundamentalism and oppression. He was a liberal thinker. A dedicated social and cultural activist, Dasgupta was fearless and never compromised his moral integrity.