Calcutta Youth Choir 54th Annual Show 9th April 2012: A Few Moments

Old Record of Ruma Guha Thakurta

A rare record of Calcutta Youth Choir | Direction Ruma Guha Thakurta

Retrospection is painful : Some words on Ruma Guha Thakurta

Once upon a time when I was regular vocalist of Calcutta Youth Choir and used to sing the Bengali version of Paul Robeson’s version of Ol’ Man River, have seen Rumadi crying emotionally as she use to sing the song from the core point of her heart and let the audience become spellbound of the performance. But on 16th Feb 2009's show I was just an audience and have seen Rumadi crying soon after she started singing this song. This time I feel the tears from hers eyes was somehow different. The tears from her eyes were due to the inability of her ruthless old age where she can’t hit the high notes of this song which was once the identity for her. Moreover due to her deteriorating health condition she might have been assuming that soon she had to retire from all this.

It was 1989; I was a guy of 10 years and have seen Rumadi for the first time performing along with Calcutta Youth Choir. I was astonished to see that fantastic show with a composition of various song and dances. Since that day I became a complete admirer of her and used to view and listen her performance regularly in the TV and radio respectively.

In the year 1997, I came in touch with Rumadi personally. I used to go to her music class on every Saturday. After a few months I became a regular member of the choir. Yes, Rumadi’s personality which was the main reason which make the mark of CYC worldwide. She is not a singer only but a versatile genius lady with all qualities in her. A dancer, a coreographer, an actress, and also a successful mother in her personal family life.

If we go back to late 50's to late 90's we can see some remarkable performance of Ruma Guha thakurta in Bengali movies. The most popular song and dance in POLATAK [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKwFgwp6_xU] or in the movie BENARASI [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACm6zgYHjQE]. She also had a multiphase music talent. She is most popular for her mass song and choir songs. But one should hear her bengali adhunik songs in the movie Antoni Firengee and Ashi(80) te Ashoiona with Manna Dey. Rumadi also recorded a few Rabindra Sangeet from HMV in early 60's. Here I have s glimps of Rabindrasangeet in the movie PANCHARSHAR directed by Arup Guha Thakurta. The most popular rabindrasangeet by her, the one with Uttam Kumar in the movie Jodi Jantem. The song was "Sukher Majhe Tomai Dekhechi". In Satyajit Ray's two movies, "Baksha Badal" and "Teen Kanya" Rumadi sang a few Rabindrasangeets. Yes also an unforgettable one in the movie "Lukochoori" with Kishore Kumar "Mayabanabiharini Harini". In the same movie we all know the most popular romantic duet for the last 50 years "Ei To Hethai Kunjachayai". She is a legend in her own right. Indeed having severe problem in her backbone I was shocked to hear that she will be performing in Mira Nair's "The Namesake". I rushed in the nearest movie hall in Mumbai on the very fast day when the movie was released to see her and yet from that day I trust about the mental strenght and which can really move a person.

Rumadi, a lady who had acted for more than 60 years, the first movie "Jawar Bhata" in 1944 and the last movie "The Namesake" in 2006. A few months back I was watching an interview of Rumadi by Koushani Roy in Zee TV. I was wondering, is this Rumadi? then how is it possible that she forgetting sometimes that the camera is front of her and speaking sometimes out of topic.

Since that day I started visualizing myself at my old age. Might be I have achieved a target in my life in my professional career but whats the use as now I realize material world really makes us too selfish in parental relations. I still remember the day when I said Rumadi that I got job and leaving Calcutta. She only told me that “Biraj I don’t think it is good decision as you mother is not alive and father is alone here in Kolkata. But its your choice now.” Six years passed by now I am in Mumbai as my career demands that. I still never miss any annual show of the choir. But every time my heart fills with sorrow when I see my co-members singing on the stage and again I became one audience only.

Listen this song of the choir http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrLzVA97u8Q

Traditional Folk Dance from Purulia (Chou Nach) by Ruma Guha Thakurta 's Calcutta Youth Choir

16th February 2009, Rabindra Sadan, Kolkata. (Ruma Guha Thakurta sitting on the chair corner left)

Few Glimpses of show on 16th Feb 2009, Calcutta Youth Choir, Direction: Ruma Guha Thakurta

Ruma Guha Thakurta on the backstage before the show.

A Still from 16th Feb 2009 show of Ruma Guhathakurta's Calcutta Youth Choir

Lead Dancer of Calcutta Youth Choir, Mrs. Polly Guha

Ruma Guha Thakurta with Suvash Chakraborty and Mr Bhudia

Song of Calcutta Youth Choir/Ruma Guha Thakurta

A song by Calcutta Youth Choir under the direction of Ruma Guha Thakurta. Set To Tune: Ramanuj Dasgupta

51st Annual Show

Calcutta Youth Choir conducted by Ruma Guha Thakurta celebrating their 51st Annual Show on 16th February 2009 in Rabindra Sadan

Listen Online Songs of Calcutta Youth Choir | Direction: Ruma Guha Thakurta

 

Click here to Listen Songs of Calcutta Youth Choir conducted by Ruma Guha Thakurta on FROPPER.COM.

 

Bharotborsho Surjer Ek Naam

Bengali Lyrics : Sibdas Banerjee
Hindi Lyrics : Usha Ganguly
Tune : YS Moolky
Lead Singer : Ruma Guha Thakurta
Arrangement : Ruma Guha Thakurta
Hindi Version Recorded By Delhi Doordarshan in 1998

Bharotborsho Surjer Ek Naam
Amra Roiechi Shei Shurjer Deshe
Leelachonchal Somudrer Abiram
Ganga Jamuna Bhagirothi Jetha Meshe

Bharotborsho Manabotar Ek Naam
Manusher Lagi Manusher Bhalobasha
Premer Jowar-e E Bharot Bhashoman
Jugey Jugey Tai Bisher Jaowa Asha
Sob Tirther Anka Banka Poth Ghurey
Premer Thirtho Bharot Tirthe Meshe

Bharotborsho Shammer Ek Naam
Aspris'o'ta Hingsha O Desh Bhuley
Konthe Sobar Ekotar Joyogaan
Bhedabhed Bhuley Bokkhey Neache Tule
Debota Edeshe Manush Hoiche Jani
Manush Ke Dekhi Gonodebotar Beshe.



---------------- *-------------------

Bharatbarsh Suraj Ka Ek Naam
Hum Hai Washi Suraj Ke Is Desh Mein
Lilachanchal Samundar Ghera
Ganga Yamuna Bhagirathi Ke Mele Mein

Bharatbarsh Manabta Ka Ek Naam
Manabta Manav Ke Prati Prem
Prem Ke Saath Doley Ea Bharat Desh
Yuj Yuj Se Viswa Ka Ana Jana
Sab Thirtha Ki Raho Se Hoo Kar
Prem Ke Tirth Hai ea Bharat Desh


Bharatbarsh Samyata Ka Ek Naam
Aspriswata Hingsha Desh Ko Bhulakar
Kanth Mein Sab Ki Ekta Ka Jaya Gaan
Bhed Bhulakar Lagaley Sabko Galey
Devta Janmein Jaha Manav Ke Vesh Mein
Manavta Jaha Rahey Devta Ke Vesh Mein

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

Calcutta Youth Choir Best Sellers, Direction: Ruma Guha Thakurta

New CD Calcutta Youth Choir, Direction Ruma Guha Thakurta

Songs Include:

1. Adhikar
2. Hei Samalo
3. Cholche Aaj Cholbey Kal Shantir Ei Michil
4. Gouri Sringa
5. O Majhi Baio
6. O Moder Desho Bashi
7. Ei Desh Ei Desh Amar Ei Desh
8. Purono Din Purono Mon
   and others
   

Few Moments of 50th Anniversary of Calcutta Youth Choir

Pic1: Ruma Guha Thakurta honoring Manna Dey. You can see ex-sheriff of Kolkata Smt Suchitra Mitra, Speaker of Parliament Somenath Chatterjee and mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation Sri Bikash Bhattacharia.


Pic2: Ruma Guha Thakurta lighting the candle along with actor Soumitra Chatterjee, singer Manna Dey, sitting speaker Somenath Chatterjee.










Rumadi with Kallyan Sen Barat before the performance of Calcutta Choir

Ruma Guha Thakurta being honoured by her son's (Amit Kumar) fan club.




Members of Calcutta Youth Choir, Calcutta Choir, Calcutta Peoples Choir and Indian Choir Academy performing song to celebrate 50 years of Calcutta Youth Choir under the direction of Ruma Guha Thakurta.



School children performing "Ei Amader Desh" under the direction of Ruma Guha Thakurta





Members of Calcutta Youth Choir performing "Bharatbarsha Surjer Ek Naam" led by Ruma Guha Thakurta.




Ruma Guha Thakurta performing "Bistirno Duparee" the bengali version of a famous song by Paul Raubson. No other singers in India have a voice range to sing this song at this range. But still now Rumadi performs at the age of 75 assisted by her daughter Sromana Chakrobarty.

40th Annual Show of Calcutta Youth Choir

40th Annual Show of Calcutta Youth Choir in 1999 was the first Annual Show for me performing along with the choir. The show was held in Rabindra Sadan for 2 days. The show started with the vedic hymen "Sangachadhang" followed by a dance "Sura Rishi Brinda". The first half of the show was with the songs like "Prothom Adi Tobo Sokti", "Keu Ba Kore Chondi Path", "Sarfaroshi Ki Tammna", "Bandh Bhenge Dao", "Prane Pran Mil Korey Dao" and "Dhonno Ami".

The second half of the show was very interesting with the songs accompanied with dance from the various parts of india. Traditional folk song of Gujrat "He Kannuda", song from Andhara Pradesh "Hailasa", song from Tamil "How Cow", song from Kelara "Tindaro", song from goa "Chio Chio Chi", song from Bihar "Gheri Gheri", song from Kashmir "Bulbul" and many others. Sare Jahan Se Accha, We Shall Over Come, Bharat Barsh Suraj Ka Ek Naam was also performed. The show ended with the song "Bistirnoo Dupareer".



---> This pic was taken while Rumadi performing Keu Ba Korey Chondipath

24th March 2008

I got the message earlier from one of the choir member Subrata that Calcutta Youth Choir is going to celebrate their 50th Annual Show on 2nd May 2008 in Rabindrasadan, Kolkata. I was too happy to hear that. on 24th March I called up Rumadi (Ruma Guha Thakurta) at her residence just to say I will be coming for the show. I was surprised that still she recognized me and asked me to come down to Calcutta from Mumbai as this is the 50th Anniversary of the choir.
I still remember my last show with Calcutta Youth Choir. I was so depressed that due to my job placement in Kingdom of Bhutan I may not be performing anymore with the choir but since then I prayed don't let me miss any Annual shows of the choir. Yes it happened, always I have come down to Calcutta whenever there was annual show whether their was any tight schedule in my work place. And yes this time also.









Vocalist of Calcutta Youth Choir performing under the direction of Ruma Guha Thakurta

36th Annual Show of Calcutta Youth Choir to celebrate Ruma Guha Thakurta for her 50years of Achievement

3rd and 4th December 1994 Calcutta Youth Choir celebrated there 36th Annual Show in Rabindra Sadan, Calcutta in presence of CM Jyoti basu, Bhuddadev Bhattacharia, Bijoya Roy and others. The show started with a performance of a choral song "Chetonar Soikote" with the members of Calcutta Youth Choir, Calcutta Choir and Calcutta Peoples Choir followed by a short documentary on Ruma Guha Thakurta's 50 years achievements .The second half began with a tribute to Rumadi by Calcutta Youth Choir members by a rabindrasangeet "Tumi kemon korey gaan koro he guni..." Later the show started with the choral songs like Prothom na Hoi, Akash theke alo nilam, Sa re jahan se accha, We shall over come, Nomi nomi charaney and of course the famous song by Ruma Guha Thakurta Bistirnoo duparer. Usha Uthup joined with the choir members to sing "We are the World" and "We shall overcome". Saikat Mitra performed "Janey waley sipahi" and Swapan Basu in "Chal mili Assam Jabo". There were also a couple of folk dance and song of various parts of India composed by Rumadi. The main attraction of the show was a dance by Ruma Guha Thakurta even at the age of 60years.

Mrs. Ruma Guha Thakurta performing a bhangra dance