The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) of the High Commission of India in Dhaka on Thursday celebrated the 88th birth anniversary and extraordinary musical journey of legendary Indian classical flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia through Banshir Sure, a special tribute concert held at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) in Gulshan.
The programme brought together members of the diplomatic community, eminent artistes, cultural personalities, media representatives, students of classical music and music enthusiasts to celebrate one of India’s greatest musical icons, whose artistry has long served as a cultural bridge between India and Bangladesh.
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Tribedi attended the event as the chief guest and reflected on his decades-long association with Chaurasia.
Describing the maestro as not only a legendary musician but also an exceptional human being, the High Commissioner spoke about Chaurasia’s association with legendary artistes, including Pandit Birju Maharaj and Girija Devi. He also highlighted his celebrated collaboration with santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma as the iconic composer duo Shiv-Hari, whose music for films such as Silsila, Chandni and Lamhe continues to inspire generations. He noted that Chaurasia’s music transcended geographical boundaries and earned admiration from global icons, including George Harrison of The Beatles.
Addressing Chaurasia, Tribedi said, “There are many fascinating stories about Panditji’s life. Many people may not know that he first trained in wrestling because his father wanted him to become a wrestler. He himself would later say that the wrestling training was a blessing because it increased his lung power and stamina, qualities that greatly helped his flute playing.”
“Another interesting chapter in his life was when Annapurna Devi, his guru, encouraged him to switch from playing the flute with his right-hand orientation to the left,” the High Commissioner said. “It was a significant change that eventually became part of his distinctive musical identity.”
The evening’s highlight was a special flute recital by Ekushey Padak-winning Bangladeshi flautist Gazi Abdul Hakim. He presented five performances featuring Indian classical ragas, Bhatiyali melodies and tribute pieces dedicated to Pandit Chaurasia and the late Lalon exponent, and Hakim’s wife, Farida Parveen. Four distinguished Bangladeshi instrumentalists accompanied him.
Addressing the audience, Hakim described Chaurasia as one of the world’s greatest flautists. He also recalled participating in a special project during the presidency of the late Pranab Mukherjee, in which he and his late wife, Farida Parveen, recorded 20 Lalon songs in Hindi.
Becoming emotional while remembering his late wife, Hakim said former Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma had wished to visit the celebrated singer during her illness. He also thanked High Commissioner Tribedi for attending the recital and listening to his performance.
Expressing concern over the status of musicians in Bangladesh, Hakim said artistes often did not receive the recognition they deserved despite their immense contribution to the country’s cultural heritage.
“Our musicians are often neglected. I fought in the Liberation War, and all of us who have served this country deserve respect,” he said.
The programme concluded with a screening of Bansuri Guru, a short documentary highlighting Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s remarkable musical journey, distinguished career and enduring contribution to Indian classical music.
