Utsho Shondha: A night of songs and solidarity for Dhaka’s children
A tremor-shaken Dhaka found warmth in an evening of songs, stories, and solidarity at ‘Utsho Shondha’
When the ground trembled Friday morning, music may not have been the first thing on anyone's mind, let alone my own. However, the evening had something else in store. The tremor was nothing compared to the shivers of excitement running through the audience at 'Utsho Shondha', a fundraiser by Utsho Bangladesh for underprivileged children, held on 21 November. The evening blended music, compassion, and kindness. Maybe that's exactly what Dhaka needed.
The stage today was shared by both Konal and Bappa. Bappa opened with 'Brishty Pore', one of his band's classics. He then moved to the familiar emotion of an old letter with 'Dhulo Pora Chithi', making the audience hum with him.
This melodic exploration of nostalgia, written and composed by Bappa himself, once again proved to be a fan favourite. Just when the evening couldn't get any more melodic, Konal entered the stage. Konal started with "Priyotoma", a beloved pick.
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In memory of Sanjeeb Chowdhury, Bappa performed "Ami Tomakei Bole Debo", quiet, heartfelt. Konal closed with a folk song she loves. The concert ended with Bappa's "Baaji", a lively finale that left the audience clapping, swaying, and carrying the music with them long after the last beat.
Following that, Bappa and Konal performed their first duet of the night, "Boshonto Chole Jai", a song that felt like a shared journey. Konal expressed how grateful she was that 'Utsho' made it happen. For the rest of the evening, they will go on to create similar magic.
As the evening proceeded, Bappa performed solo with "Din Bari Jai" earning immediate applause. One of his best works, this particular track evoked cheers unlike any other.earning immediate applause.
He sang "Pori", a song that seemed to impress everyone. The night continued with "Tao Keno Dekhchona", followed by "Chokher Bhitor Shwapno", dreamy and intimate; it was a dreamy duet to remember.
Almost half of the evening had passed when there was a small break. The brief pause was made beautiful with members of 'Utsho' sharing their journey. Mahbooba Akhter Mahmood Leena, affectionately known as Leena Apa, shared her journey and hopes for the future. The audience members were lucky spectators of audiovisuals on Utsho's work and vision.
After the brief pause, the musical evening continued.
On request, Bappa sang four lines of "Ghum Jorano", drawing smiles from the audience. In memory of the departed souls of 1971, Konal then sang "Bangladesh" by Joan Baez, and followed it with "Megher Nouka Tumi", another one of her masterpieces, evoking applause from the audience.
In memory of Sanjeeb Chowdhury, Bappa performed "Ami Tomakei Bole Debo", quiet, heartfelt. Konal closed with a folk song she loves. The concert ended with Bappa's "Baaji", a lively finale that left the audience clapping, swaying, and carrying the music with them long after the last beat.
Later, when I had the opportunity to have a few words with Gitanka Dutta. He expressed his admiration for the purpose behind "Utsho". "Lina Apa( Mahbooba Akhter Mahmood Leena) is someone who can actually envision something and turn it into reality. Working with something so meaningful is truly intoxicating. You cannot stop. It's a one-way ticket," explained Gitanka. His words were true in every way. The singers, the audiences and last but not least the members of Utsho were all evidently passionate about what they do.
