by M Zahidul Haque
I have been listening to a young female singer with a melodious voice on YouTube and some
other social media for the last one year. The name of the singer is Debolina Nandi. On August 14
last, it was a music video of a popular Rabindra sangeet-“Tumi Robe Nirobe” sung by Debolina Nandi. Badal Sinha released it on YouTube under the banner DN Production. The song was well-sung with soothing and enchanting impression. It seems that Debolina in her rendition has done full justice to the solemn appeal of the love-oriented Tagore song. It may be mentioned here that the teaser of this song was made public on 22nd Srabon, the death anniversary of Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore as a mark of respect and to pay tribute to the great poet.
I am touched and moved as I listen to the above mentioned song which prompted me to write
this brief review in appreciation of the music video and the singer-Debolina Nandi. At the same
time a question arose in my mind, why with such magnificent voice and singing talent
Debolina Nandy hasn’t yet emerged as a frequent playback singer?
Well, if we reverse the pages of her biography, it would be evident that Debolina is a versatile
artist/performer. She was born and brought up in Kolkata, India. Debolina is a Calcutta University graduate in Bengali Language and Literature. She is trained in Rabindra sangeet, Nazrul geeti, classical music, dance, etc. She sings in various genres and languages and continues to aspire to learn more. She has performed in some Indian TV serials, musical shows and playback in a few movies. Her songs earned audiences’ appreciation while some scored exceptional marks which include; ‘Agar Tum Na Hote’, ‘Chaha hai Tujko’, ‘Soniyo’, ‘Mago tomar moton apon’ etc. Her last year’s Puja special-‘Durgatinashini’ earned much acclamation. Audiences of both West Bengal and Bangladesh listen to Debolina’s songs. She has many fans and admirers in Bangladesh too.
However, some discrepancies were seen in the video portion which seems irrelevant to the
context but in overall rating ‘Tumi robe nirobe’ is well produced and presented. I sincerely wish
a wide circulation of the song and further accomplishment of the singer.
(The reviewer is a Professor at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University,Dhaka, Bangladesh who can be reached via e-mail: prof_haque@hotmail.com)
