Multi-disciplinary artiste Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee presented an interesting programme titled Chup Kathar Gaan at the Satyajit Ray auditorium in ICCR on August 9. Sujoy read out a piece of non-linear narrative along with melodious renditions by ace singers Somlata Acharyya Chowdhury and Shovan Ganguly with musician Shibasish Banerjee on the keyboard.
While the musical evening overwhelmed each and every member of the audience that evening, what struck a chord with everyone was perhaps the heartfelt narrative penned by Rohit Dey. While the entire narrative captured the imagination of the audience and made them feel every word, what indeed tugged at the heartstrings was when Sujoy read out, “I always feel that we are a weird generation. Being in love isn’t as cool as being in a relationship...” and his voice filled up with emotion.
Somlata Acharyya Chowdhury
Speaking on writing such a realistically emotional script, Rohit said, “The writing is about lovers and all the things that go unspoken in our relationships. The common thread in all the stories or characters we meet in the narrative is love and their waiting for their loved ones.”
Somlata’s soulful renditions of Aami tomar preme habo sabar kalankobhaagi, Raat ke humsafar, Jodi ar ektu shomoy dite, Ami bristi dekhechi, You Fill Up My Senses Like a Night in the Forest, and Tobu dure jete hoy filled the audience’s hearts with varied emotions as Shovan Ganguly with his lovely voice delivered justice to Dibosho rojoni ami jeno kar ashay ashay thaki; Swapno jagano raat; Shono go dokhino hawa; Huzur is kadar bhi na itrake chaliye; Aj jaane ki zid na karo; Tumi kon kananer phul and Chalo ek baar phir se ajnabi ban jayein hum dono. The duo performed Prithibita naki choto hote hote together.
While the audience waxed lyrical about the musical performances, and rightly so, what overwhelmed them was indeed Sujoy’s narration of “The Unspoken”.
Shibasish Banerjee
Singer Rupankar Bagchi, who was in the audience, said, “Kudos to Rohit for writing such a great script. He is perhaps one of the best storytellers in our city right now. About Sujoy’s narration, I would say very few in India would have such elan and conviction. His mastery over English and Bengali languages deserves a special mention and his narration skills are beyond any comparison. It took me back to my younger days. Each of the artistes on the stage performed as if they were painting a portrait. I have always been a fan of Somlata. She has the ability to render justice to any kind of musical piece, and she has proved it once again. And Shovan is perhaps one of the best talents in the music industry right now. Coming to Shibasish, his true education reflects on the instrument he plays. He lends his own feelings to the piece when he is performing. Without a shadow of doubt, he is one of the finest musicians we have today. Looking forward to more shows like this.”
Sohag Sen, who Sujoy fondly calls his mentor for life, said, “The script was exceptionally well, and Sujoy’s narration... no words to describe how he made us feel.”
Papia Rao, one of the sponsors, got felicitated by actor Debjani Chatterjee. She said, “We all know Sujoy for his infectious love and passion for art. Thanks to Sujoy, Somlata, Shovan, Shibasish and Rohit for gifting us such a lovely evening.”
“This is a project which is very close to my heart. The narrative represents a subculture and its vignettes. The songs are the wheels of that lifestream. I am so glad everyone stood up in the end to applaud us,” said Sujoy.
Shovan Ganguly
Kanchan Datta, president, Advertising Club Calcutta, one of the sponsors of the event, said, “I see our role as a cultural accelerator, championing the larger community of creative people, be it spoken word artistes, singers, composers, writers, or theatricians. Advertising Club Calcutta promises to stand by all of them.”
