Play it again - Siraj Khan

The extended presence of the singing sisters Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle on the Indian film music circuit ended up shortening the singing careers of many fabulous female voices. Some of these women retreated into nondescript and often difficult lives. Yet, the contribution of playback singers such as Shamshad Begum, Sudha Malhotra, Kamal Barot, Usha Mangeshkar, Ruma Guha Thakurta and Mubarak Begum to the rich repertoire of Hindi film music from the 1940s is unforgetta ble.

A person who can sweep the audience away by the sheer variety of her accomplishments is Ruma Guha Thakurta nee Ghosh. Born in 1934, she is an actress, singer, dancer and choreographer all rolled into one astonishing personality. In 1951, Ruma married the legendary Kishore Kumar and the following year Amit Kumar came along. After her divorce in 1958, she settled down in Kolkata, where she formed the Calcutta Youth Choir (CYC) along with composer Salil Chowdhury and filmmaker Satyajit Ray. She must be doing something right because in May this year, CYC — considered a trendsetter in choir culture and the recipient of many international prizes including a first prize at the Copenhagen Youth Festival, Denmark — celebrated its golden anniversary. Ruma has worked with Mother Teresa; sung songs with Manna Dey, Hemant Kumar and Kishore Kumar; acted in over 100 Hindi and Bengali films; and played the lead role in Ganashatru that won an Oscar nomination in 1989. After acting in Mira Nair’s The Namesake in 2006, Ruma’s gusto for life at 74 is as much in evidence today as ever.

Take a look at her accomplishments on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkLGfr4o4DY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPEMo4_ATV0

PUBLISHED ON:Friday, Aug 22, 2008 in BUSINESS LINE at Life[Music & Dance] section

We Shall Overcome's bengali choral version by Calcutta Youth Choir

In Bengali-speaking India and in Bangladesh there are two versions of We Shall Over Come, both popular among school-children and political activists. "Amra Karbo Joy" (a literal translation) was translated by the Bengali folk singer Hemanga Biswas and re-recorded by Bhupen Hazarika. Another version, translated by Shibdas Bandyopadhyay, "Ek Din Surjyer Bhor" (literally translated as "One Day The Sun Will Rise") was recorded by the Calcutta Youth Choir arranged by Ruma Guha Thakurta during the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence and became one of the largest selling Bengali records. It was a favourite of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and regularly sung at public events after Bangladesh gained independence.

The Lyrics:

Ruma Guha Thakurta solo:
Ekdin surjer bhor
Ekdin shopner bhor
Ekdin shotter bhor asbei
Ei monay achey bissas
Amra kori bissas
Shotter bhor asbei din.

Choral Part:
Prithibir mati hobey modhumoy
Batash hobey modhumoy
Akash hobey modhumoy ekdin
Ei money achey bissas
Amra kori bissas
Akash hobey modhumoy ekdin

Ar noi dhonsher gaan
Jonotar Oikotan
Sristir shurey hobey gaan ekdin
Ei money achey bissas
Amra kori bissas
Sristir shurey hobey gaan ekdin

Amra maninako badhabondhon
Hate badhi rakhi bondhon
Thambei shob krondon ekdin
Ei money achey bissas
Amra kori bissas
Thambei shob krondon ekdin

Members (Vocalist) of Calcutta Youth Choir performing in a live concert under the headship of Ruma Guha Thakurta

Albums by Calcutta Youth Choir: Direction Ruma Guha Thakurta

1. Beje Uthlo Ki Somoyer Ghori, A collection of mass songs released by HMV in 1976
2. Waqt Ki Awaz (Hindi), A collection of modern songs released by HMV
3. Prarthna Sangeet, A collection of devotional songs released by CBS
4. All times Great Calcutta Youth Choir, A collection of selected track from HMV
5. Amra Tori Beye Jai, A collection of mass songs released by HMV in 1981
6. Manusher Gaan Gai, A collection of mass songs released by HMV in 1982
7. Pochis Bochor Dhore, Released by HMV in the year 1983 on 25th Anniversary of the Choir
8. Bharatbarsho Surger Ek Naam, A collection of Bengali modern songs released by HMV
9. Swadesi Juger Gaan, a collection of patriotic songs released by HMV
10. Chetonar Gaan, A collection of songs to welcome Nelson Mandela in India released by CBS in 1988
11. Besh Sotoker Gaan, A collection of Bengali mass songs released by Hindustan Records in 1990 celebrating 300th birthday of Calcutta
    
12. Deshatobodok Gaan, A collection of patriotic songs released by Gathani in 1993
13. Din Agato Oi, A collection of modern songs released by Gathani in 1994 for the celebration of Bengali New Year (1400 SATABDI)
14. Kadam Kadam Badaye Ja (Hindi), A collection of INA (Azad Hind Fauj) songs by HMV n 100th birth anniversary of Netaji Suvas Chandra Bose in 1996
15. Mile Sobe Bharat Santan, A collection of modern songs released by HMV in 1998
16. Sikol Bhangar Gaan, A collection of Patriotic songs (before India's Independence) released in 2001
17. Amader Salilda, A collection of mass songs by Salil Chowdhury released by ASHA AUDIO in 2007

BEES SOTOKER GAAN | Direction Ruma Guha Thakurta | Singer: Calcutta Youth Choir

Songs:

1. ITIHAASH THEKE UTHEY ESHO Tune :V.BALSARA Lyricist:SHIBDAS BANERJEE

2. AAMAAR PRATIBADER BHAASHAA Tune:SALIL CHOWDHURY Lyricist:SALIL CHOWDHURY

3. SWARNAJHARAA SURYA RANGEY Tune:SUDHIN DASGUPTA Lyricist:SUDHIN DASGUPTA

4. AAMAADER JAPTAP MANTRA Tune:ANAL CHATTERJEE Lyricist:ANAL CHATTERJEE

5. EKSAATHEY CHALO Tune:NIBARAN PANDIT Lyricist:NIBARAN PANDIT

6. AAMAADER NAANAAN MATEY Tune:SALIL CHOWDHURY Lyricist:SALIL CHOWDHURY

7. DUAAR BANDHA REKHO NAA Lyrics:PARIMAL DASGUPTA Tune:MANJUSHRI DASGUPTA

8. NEEL AAKAASHER Tune:SUDHIN DASGUPTA Lyricist:SUDHIN DASGUPTA

9. E DESHER DIKEY Tune :ANAL CHATTERJEE Lyricist:ANAL CHATTERJEE

10. TELER SHISHI BHANGLO BOLEY Lyrics:SALIL CHOWDHURY Lyricist:ANYADA SANKAR  ROY

11. We Shall Overcome