Posted on 9 December 2025:
PANDIT DISHARI CHAKRABORTY’S DEBUT VEENA RECITAL, THE CENTENARY SHOW OF SITAYAN, AND A GRAND FELICITATION TURNED THE ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS INTO A STAGE OF MUSIC, THEATRE AND HONOUR—AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENING ETCHED IN KOLKATA’S CULTURAL LEGACY.
A Rare Cultural Milestone at Academy of Fine Arts
The Academy of Fine Arts in Kolkata came alive with music, theatre and heartfelt honour in a truly unforgettable evening. Veteran maestro Pandit Dishari Chakraborty graced the stage with his first-ever solo Shatatantri Veena recital, a performance that echoed with timeless artistry. The same stage has long carried his legacy, with compositions enriching more than 140 Bengali theatre productions. The night grew even more remarkable with the 100th theatrical performance and a grand felicitation ceremony, weaving together tradition, creativity and celebration. It was a cultural milestone that will be remembered as one of the year’s finest moments.
A Spellbinding Debut: Pandit Dishari’s First Solo Veena Recital
At the Academy of Fine Arts, Pandit Dishari Chakraborty offered a mesmerizing debut on the Shatatantri Veena. Beginning with a serene alap in Raga Kirwani, he unfolded its beauty with rare purity before joining in vibrant dialogue with tabla prodigy Sri Gopal Das.
Their rhythmic exchange soared into dazzling taans and a powerful jhala, leaving the hall in awe.
The harmony between Pandit Dishari and Sri Gopal Das lit up the hall with brilliance. From the graceful Firozkhani gat to dazzling taans and a vigorous jhala, the music rose in waves of intensity, greeted by thunderous applause. Their sawal-jawab became the heart of the recital—a spirited exchange of rhythm and melody that soared to its peak. The evening closed with a masterful Tripalli Tehai, leaving the audience spellbound and deeply moved.
The evening culminated with a soul-stirring Pahari Dhun, a finale that listeners hailed as unforgettable—an exquisite blend of mastery and emotion etched into Kolkata’s cultural memory.
Centenary Celebration of ‘SITAYAN’: A Milestone for Bengali Theatre
The Academy of Fine Arts marked a historic moment with the 100th show of SITAYAN, Pandit Dishari Chakraborty’s acclaimed musical theatre masterpiece. Featuring Plaban Basu and Rokeya Ray under Malay Ray’s direction, the production captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling and evocative music. The centenary performance drew thunderous applause, honouring both the brilliance of the cast and Dishari’s enduring legacy in shaping modern Bengali theatre.
Felicitation of Pandit Dishari: A Cultural Tribute
The evening closed with a heartfelt felicitation by PurbaRanga Step’nStage, honouring Pandit Dishari’s lifelong devotion to the arts. In a dignified moment, veteran actor Bivash Chakraborty bestowed upon him the title Natya Yodha—The Warrior of Theatre. Eminent writers, leaders and cultural icons joined in praise, celebrating his unmatched artistry and enduring legacy.
FROM THE SOULFUL VEENA RECITAL TO THE CENTENARY OF SITAYAN, THE ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS WITNESSED A RARE UNION OF TRADITION AND TRIUMPH, A MILESTONE ETCHED IN KOLKATA’S CULTURAL MEMORY.
Images credit: Dishari Chakroborty
