Despite promoting “culture” as a whole, it is common to come across cultural institutions that are subtly supporting a particular artist or group in the competitive world of Indian performing arts. The Impresario India, founded by Shri Bijan Mukherjee and a few like minded culture lovers of Delhi, 31 years ago, has been a notable exception to this rule. Popularly known as Bijanda, he established this organisation with the goal of showcasing Bengal’s rich cultural history outside of Bengal by enlisting lesser-known performers as well as renowned artists from the renowned artists to serve up a variety of art forms to the Bengali community of Delhi, including Kirtan, Folk music, and the now-fading theatre. Shri Bijan Mukherjee’s ability to maintain a personal connection with everyone, whether they are members of the artist group or guests, is his best characteristic which has helped Impresario India to be a significant organisation promoting Bengali Culture in the Capital.
As part of ongoing initiatives to promote Bengali culture, Impresario India hosted a two-day Panorama of Bengal’s Art and Heritage, which featured Shri Deb Shankar Haldar, a well-known actor from Bengal, in Girish Ghosh inspired play Bilwamangal Kabya on Day 1 and a combination of Rabindra Sangeet and Shyama Sangeet on Day 2.
In Bilwamangal Kabya, a superb rendition of Girish Ghosh’s book that has received raving praises from theater goers, Deb Shankar Halder- one of the great legends of Bengali Theater portrayed the titular role while Shailee Dutta essayed the role of Chintamoni. We discover more about Bilwa’s connection to prostitute Chintamoni as the play progresses. Chinta does not value love since she only views the flesh trade as a method of surviving. Bilwa makes an unsuccessful attempt to persuade her to accept his real feelings. This prompts him to leave his home in search of the Almighty. Chinta senses his adoration even when he is not around and eventually quits her work to follow God’s path.
The performance’s headliner of the day however was Sanjita Mukherjee, who played the role of Pagolini, and received the loudest cheers from the audience.
Suranjan Roy, a well-known Rabindra Sangeet vocalist who effectively continues the lineage started by his great father Subinoy Roy, opened the second day’s performance.
The vocalist opened the show with “Tomaye Gaan Shonabo,” a performance in memory of the late A B Sarkar. Moments of spontaneity were sprinkled throughout Mounita Chattopadhyay’s fascinating remarks during the performance. The performances of “Timiro Abagunthane” and “Amriter Sagore aami jabo” were among the best of the session, highlighting Roy’s extraordinary talent and laying the groundwork for a proper tribute to the late vocalist, who was an institution in himself.
The second performance of the day featured Gurujeet Singh performing Shyama Sangeet. Gurujeet Singh, whose sweet voice has captured millions of hearts, mesmerised the audience with his performance. Among the songs that he belted out non-stop, amidst applause from the audience, including a mix of legendary Pannalal Bhattacharya’s “Aamar Sadh Na Mitilo” to the fusion of Kirtan – “Aamar Kunjo Sajao go.”
The fact that everyone in the audience was seated attentively throughout the presentation shows Gurujeet’s ability to connect with his audience.
At the conclusion of the two-day event, the Impresario India’s Secretary, Alka Mukherjee, offered a vote of appreciation. By being thoughtful in their planning, coordination, and execution of the events as well as by awareness and passion for Bangla culture outside of Bengal, Impresario India team continues Bijan Mukherjee’s legacy.
Musing of a travelling Bong 
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