Rezwana Choudhury Bannya enthralls Kolkata audience

Renowned Rabindra Sangeet exponent Rezwana Choudhury Bannya delivered a commanding performance at the “East Meets West” music event held at the Vivekananda Auditorium in Kolkata on Saturday (January 17) evening.

Bannya’s nearly two-hour set featured 19 beloved songs by Rabindranath Tagore, drawing an audience that exceeded the venue’s official capacity. Listeners responded with sustained engagement, prompting applause throughout the programme.

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The artiste balanced her own preferred selections with requests from the audience, creating a dynamic rapport rarely seen in cross-border recitals. Songs ranged from deep contemplations to cherished melodies, beginning with “Sokatore Oi Kadiche Sokole” and concluding with the widely sung favourite “Ami Chini Go Chini Tomare”.

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In her remarks after the concert, Bannya said this was her first performance in Kolkata in nearly a year. “It felt good to be back,” she said. “The audience was visibly enthusiastic, and their response was deeply inspiring. After a long gap, reconnecting with listeners here was very meaningful.”

The concert’s arrangement also stood out for its instrumentation. Alongside the piano, additional musical accompaniments added texture and depth, giving familiar songs a fresh contour. Audiences responded attentively throughout.

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Programme highlights included “Boro Asha Kore”, “Ami Bahu Bashonaye”, “Akash Bhora Surya Tara”, “Dure Kothay Dure Dure”, “Bhalobashi Bhalobashi”, “Tomar Holo Shuru”, “Bipul Taranga Re”, “Aaj Jemon Kore Gaiche Akash”, “Sukhihin Nishidin”, “Ami Jene Shune Bish Korechhi Pan”, and “Tumi Kon Kananer Phul”.