Posted on 26 August 2025:
A Soulful Evening of Remembrance: Centenary Tribute to Suchitra Mitra, Kanika Bandyopadhyay & Salil Chowdhury
On the serene evening of August 24th, 2025, the Sanskriti Chokro premises in Garfa, Kolkata, came alive with heartfelt homage and cultural resonance as Jadavpur Bangla Nabobarsha Utsav Samity hosted a centenary tribute honoring three legendary icons of Bengali music and poetry—Suchitra Mitra, Kanika Bandyopadhyay and Salil Chowdhury.
The gathering unfolded with evocative group songs, stirring recitations, and a poignant documentary screening by Raja Sen, each moment steeped in reverence.
A graceful dance presentation by the Gaudiya Nritya Trio added visual poetry to the evening, while the timeless compositions of Salil Chowdhury and the soulful renditions of Suchitra Mitra and Kanika Bandyopadhyay echoed through the venue.
Voices Eternal: A Centenary Celebration of Musical Luminaries
Organized with heartfelt reverence by Jadavpur Noboborsho Udjapan Samity, the centenary tribute to Suchitra Mitra, Kanika Bandyopadhyay, and Salil Chowdhury unfolded as a luminous evening of remembrance and cultural pride. Presided over by Smt. Mou Mukherjee, with the gracious presence of General Secretary Kalyan Chakraborti and Joint Secretaries Santanu Chakraborti and Rajat Sarkar, the event paid homage to the enduring legacy of these iconic figures in Rabindra Sangeet and Bengali music.
The evening commenced with a poignant documentary film on Suchitra Mitra, directed by Raja Sen, offering rare glimpses into her life and artistry. This was followed by soul-stirring renditions of two beloved compositions by Salil Chowdhury, echoing the timeless spirit of his music. The gathering stood as a testament to the power of song and memory, weaving together voices that continue to inspire across generations.
Rhythms of Tribute: A Dance Offering to Salil Chowdhury’s Legacy
The evening deepened into a tapestry of movement and melody as Rumki Bhattacharyya and Sulagna Sarkar conducted a stirring recitation paired with a dance poem penned by Salil Chowdhury himself—an evocative fusion of word and rhythm that set the tone for the grand finale.
The Gaudiya Nritya family then took center stage, presenting a trio of performances that paid homage to Chowdhury’s musical genius through the language of classical dance.
First, Mitrayan, directed by Smt. Banani Chakraborti, offered a vibrant interpretation of three iconic songs—“Dhitang Dhitang Bole,” “Bulbul Palhi Maina Tie,” and “Chalo Chalo He”—infusing the stage with lyrical energy.
Next, Vikramshila, under the direction of Dr. Satabdi Acharya, brought depth and grace to “Jharer Kachhe Rekhe Gelam” and “O Alor Patho Yatri,” capturing the emotional cadence of Chowdhury’s compositions.
Finally, Gaudiya Nritya Bharati, led by Prof. Dr. Mahua Mukherjee, delivered a powerful performance set to “Runner” and “Abak Prithibi,” embodying the spirit of resilience and wonder.
The dances were elevated by the timeless voices of Hemanta Mukherjee, Pandit Amitava Mukherjee, Antara Chowdhury (daughter of Salil Chowdhuri) and other esteemed vocalists, with instrumental accompaniment by Ayan Mukherjee, Shubhodip Chakraborti and a dedicated ensemble.
Together, they created a living tribute—where music, memory and movement converged in luminous harmony.
