Bhubaneswar, July 30: Young talents paid tribute to legendary singer Sikandar Alam on his 73rd birth anniversary at a musical nite at the Rabindra Mandap here recently. The event was organised by the Sikander Alam Foundation.

Nazia Alam, the vocalist daughter of the late singer, crooned Arata sure bare kare minati, which her father had sung in his debut film Laxmi 40 years ago.

After Nazia gave a perfect start to the event with her soulful voice, a series of immortal compositions sung by Sikander Alam, who passed away in 2010, were rendered.

Well-known singer Saurav Nayak sang the classic Bana pakhi jhure, mana pakhi jhure, while youngster Bandish Palit reminded of Sikander’s romantic treats to Odia film music with the song Chandrika tume jhara phula paain.

The audience also appreciated duets by Mitali Chinara and Saurav Nayak such as Dele dhara katha sare, a hit from the classic Amada Bata.

Veteran musician Laxmikant Palit presented the comic hit Mun rickshaw bala. Palit’s sons Bandish and Randip sang Aare mita aa sangata. Other hits such as Sapanara pathe pathe, Sagara adhire, E bana jharana were also performed.

“Sikander Alam was a rare jewel in the Odia film’s music industry. His versatility was a class apart. From devotional songs to romantic numbers, he has given music lovers a lot to cherish,” said Amarendra Padhi, a music enthusiast.

Starting his career in 1957 as a singer for Akashvani, Cuttack, Sikander Alam immediately gained popularity for his wide range of songs, be it light vocal, devotional, folk, ghazal or classical.

A Sambalpuri song he had recorded was played on the BBC, London, in 1970.

“We miss him deeply. But his contribution to the field of music in Odisha will always keep him fresh in our minds,” said musician Ramhari Das, chief executive officer of Odissi Research Centre that also supported the event organised on Friday.