Lata, Sandhya, Bappi to Krishnakumar Kiunnath: Kol Pujas to pay homage to musical personalities

KOLKATA: This Durga Puja, several organisers have decided to pay homage to music legends who passed away in the last one year.
Kabiraj Bagan Sarbojonin Puja committee, in Ultadanga, is planning to recreate KK’s last concert as their puja theme. The singer had passed away soon after performing at Nazrul Mancha earlier this month. The exterior and interior of the pandal will resemble the auditorium where KK performed live for Sir Gurudas Mahavidyalaya.
Amal Chakraborty (64), councillor of ward number 14, is the brain behind this theme. “The college is in my ward. I was invited to KK’s concert on May 31 but couldn’t attend it. As a resident of Ultadanga, this is the best way to show our heartfelt gratitude to the legendary singer, remembering him during the festive days,” said Chakraborty. Kumartuli artist Monti Paul is preparing a life-sized statue of KK, which will cost around Rs 1 lakh.
Bhowanipur Durgotsab Samity, which is in its 57th year, has planned to pay tribute to Lata Mangeshkar, Sandhya Mukherjee and Bappi Lahiri. Art directors from Tollywood have started conceptualizing the puja pavilion. The theme, ‘The Golden Musical Era’, will project old collections of Sarodh Sankhya Gaan that got released from the 60s till mid-90s by these legendary singers on the eve of Durga Puja, said Shubhankar Roychoudhury, general secretary of Bhowanipur Durgotsab Samity.
One of India’s oldest music companies will provide their archival collections to the committee. A theme music is also being recorded. Various activities, including ‘antakshari’, quiz, karaoke and live performances by celebrities have been planned.