Taking a dig at the Rabindra Sangeet purists, popular Bengali singer Nachiketa Chakraborty has said the songs of the Bard cannot be popularised among the Generation Next unless changed to contemporary style.
"I had been slammed, criticised and ridiculed for singing Tagore in my own way way back in early 2000, breaking from the typical gayaki in vogue since early 20th century.
"Due to the timeless appeal of lyrics, Rabindrasangeet can be equally hummable and popular among the present day youth if dished out in tune with the present trend," the rebel Bengali singing icon told media on the sidelines of a solo function here last week.
"In fact you should not be stopped to sing your favourite lines the way you like. Purists can take away the soul of a track by dictating one particular way (a song has to be rendered). But off course the basic swaralipi has to be adhered to. I had never rendered a Rabindrasangeet without maintaining the swaralipi. But none can take away my right to sing for myself and for my audience as a singer," he said.
Nachiketa cited 'Eki Labanya Purno Pran', 'Jodi Tor Dak Sune Key Na Ase' as the two Tagore songs he wished to sing in the way he liked.
"I feel sorry to see youngsters grooving to Mika Singh tracks while not feeling addicted to Rabindra Sangeet despite its universal appeal and potential," he signed off at the function, 'Apni, Ami Ebong Ek Jhank Nachiketa' in association with Agun Pakhi - Nachiketa Friends Forum as tribute to the 'Antabihin Path Chalai Jibon' singer completing 24 years in the music industry.
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