MM Keeravaani, Babul Supriyo lead ode to Tagore, Nazrul & Ray

Composer MM Keeravaani and singer-politician Babul Supriyo were the chief guests for the evening. Keeravaani performed Tomarei Koriachhi Jiboner Dhrubatara, a Rabindra Sangeet by Tagore, calling it one of his favourite compositions by the poet. “I feel my life is enriched by watching Satyajit Ray’s films. After each film, I’ve also started reading his work,” he said, reflecting on his engagement with Bengali culture. The highlight of the show was an impromptu collaboration between the singer and the composer, as they shared the stage for Ami Chini Go Chini Tomare. Supriyo said Keeravaani reached out after learning he had sung the same composition in Kadambari (2015). “We decided on a surprise performance, with him on the piano and me singing Ami Chini Go Chini,” he said, describing the composer’s effort to sing in the language as “special”.The celebration, hosted by SHOi - a Hyderabad Bengali Theatre Group and Jajabor Collective, concluded with an hour-long staging of Rother Roshi, a musical exploring inclusion and social cohesion.Very recently, I have started watching Satyajit Ray’s films, and I feel my life is enriched by them. I’ve also started reading his work, and it has deepened my understanding of his storytelling and artistic vision– MM KeeravaaniI’ve been coming to Hyderabad for a very long time, but this visit was a little different. Being on stage celebrating the three legends and singing Ami Chini Go Chini like this with Keeravani sir playing the piano, was a very special experience for me – Babul Supriyo