Cultural Correspondent
Singer Bipul Bhattacharya 6th death anniversary today. Bipul Bhattacharya was among those who worked to inspire the nation during the Liberation War. He was the lead vocalist of the troupe Bangladesh Mukti Shangrami Shilpi Shangstha led by Tagore exponent Sanjida Khatun. The troupe’s main intention was to raise funds for the guerrillas and alleviate the misery of the countless refugees who lived in camps set up in India.
Bipul led choruses of a huge number of songs that boosted the spirit of the freedom fighters of the Liberation War. Such songs include: “Nao Chhariya Dey Paal Uraiya Dey,” “Shonen Shonen Bhai Shobey Satyo E Je Ghotona,” “Bolo Bolo Rey Bolo Shobey Bolo Rey Bangalir Joy,” “Ei Na Bangladasher Gaan Gaitey Rey Amar Dukkhey Poran Kandey,” “O Rey Bishom Doirar Dheu” and many more.
The troupe’s journey was documented on film by American filmmaker Lear Levin. Twenty-five years later, Tareque and Catherine Masud recovered the footage from Levin’s basement and used it in their award-winning Film “Muktir Gaan.”
Bipul Bhattacharya won the first place in folk music category in all Pakistan Music Competition in 1970. Later, he led a musical organisation called “Mallika Sangeet Shamaroho.”
Bipul was not only a great artist but was also an unusually kind person at heart. His contribution to the country is monumental. His contribution to the music arena and also as a ‘Shabda Shainik’ in the Liberation War is immense. But the new generation hardly knows him. His songs were not been archived in an organised manner and did not get due coverage in the TV and radio media.
.
`
