The Saturday Club is gearing up to celebrate the season of new year and spring — Poila Baisakh and Baisakhi — with a performance by Amit Kumar. t2 caught up with the singer-composer-music director over phone about what his fans could expect this time on stage and his memories of a Bengali New Year.

What are your plans for the evening at The Saturday Club?

I am very excited to be there on April 13. This time I will be singing both Hindi and Bangla songs. Of course I will sing a few of my father’s songs like Shing nei tobu naam tar singha and Roop tera mastana. I will also sing a few of my own compositions along with other popular songs of yesteryears. 

How was Poila Baisakh when you were a kid? 

It used to be very simple. As a child, I never paid much attention to the rituals associated with the new year. I used to accompany my mother to my cousins’ places. When I grew up a little, we used to visit some of my friends’ places as well, all decked up in new clothes. And a lot of mishti khawa and ghure byarano! 

Any memories of Poila Baisakh music?

We used to go to Basusree (cinema). Every Poila Baisakh, a grand function used to be organised by Mantu Bose. I am talking about the early ’60s. I used to accompany my mother (Ruma Guha Thakurta) to the function at Basusree every year. I have seen many Tollygunge actors like Chhabi Biswas, Uttam Kumar, and Bhanu Bandopadhyay there. And then in 1971 or ’72, I got my first chance to perform at the event. 

Were there many music record releases during Poila Baisakh?

Radio was very big in those days. We used to tune in to the radio to listen to new songs of the season. Though most new albums used to be released during the Pujas, still tuning in to the radio on Poila Baisakh was a must.

What: The Saturday Club celebrates Noboborsho & Baisakhi with Amit Kumar in association with t2

Where: The Saturday Club

When: April 13, 8pm

Expect: A musical evening with singer-composer Amit Kumar who will usher in the spirit of the season with a playlist of popular Hindi and Bengali numbers.

Entry: For club members and their guests. Guests have a token entry charge of Rs 500 per head.

Organiser speak: “Nava Varsha and Baisakhi — who could do a better combination of Bengali and Hindi music to celebrate both the festivals? That is where Amit Kumar comes into the picture, being versatile in both the languages. Plus, being the son of the legendary Kishore Kumar, he will obviously sing a few of his father’s songs, which will connect a lot with the audience,” said Dipu Doshi, entertainment convener, The Saturday Club.

Text: Sibendu Das

What: The Baisakhi Tittle-Tattle in association with t2

Where: Ecospace, New Town

When: April 11 to 13, noon to 6.30pm

Expect: A food festival with eight food stalls offering yummy dishes to celebrate the pre-Baisakhi spirit. Choose from chilla, vada, litti chokha, kebabs, biryani, pav bhaji and more. Pamper your sweet tooth with Bengali desserts at the end of your meal.

Organiser speak: “We believe in making a difference in the lives of people by giving some joy on various occasions. What better way to celebrate the Bengali New Year than to organise a food festival that would serve different kinds of delicacies?” said Ramesh Pandey, general manager, marketing and events, Ambuja Neotia Group.

What: Subha Poila presented by City Centre, in association with t2 

Where: City Centre Salt Lake and New Town

When: April 13 to 15, noon onwards

Expect: A wholesome food experience as you begin the Bengali New Year! Treat your taste buds to a variety of cuisines like Chinese, Thai, Bengali, north Indian and Mughlai. End your meal on a sweet note with mishti and yoghurt.

Organiser speak: “City Centre malls are known as the ultimate hangout destinations. Since this time of the New Year is being celebrated in various states, we have come up with an idea of serving different cuisines so that everyone becomes a part of the celebrations,” said Ramesh Pandey of Ambuja Neotia Group.

What: Shubho Poila Baisakh presented by CC&FC, in association with t2

Where: CC&FC lawn

When: April 14, 7.30pm

Expect: A performance by Raghab Chatterjee, who will sing numbers from his popular albums as well as fusion and film songs. A few Rabindrasangeet, Nazrulgeeti and classical music numbers are also on the playlist. The performance will be followed by a Bengali dinner. 

Entry: For club members and their guests.

What: Shubho Poila Baisakh presented by CC&FC, in association with t2

Where: CC&FC lawn

When: April 14, 7.30pm

Expect: A performance by Raghab Chatterjee, who will sing numbers from his popular albums as well as fusion and film songs. A few Rabindrasangeet, Nazrulgeeti and classical music numbers are also on the playlist. The performance will be followed by a Bengali dinner. 

Entry: For club members and their guests.