An Ode to the Bard of Bengal

A Fundraiser in support of the girl-child

Rabindranath Tagore (1861 –1941), the Nobel laureate, poet, novelist and composer has had far reaching impact on not only Indian literature but music as well. Written mainly in literary Bangla and sometimes in English, each of his poems depicts structural cogency and exquisite details. Filled with ache, longing and poignancy, his works are perhaps the best portrayal of Indian rural life and femininity. Among his fifty and odd volumes of poetry are Manasi, Sonar Tari, Gitanjali, Balaka, The Gardner and The Crescent Moon.

Gulzar, one of India’s finest film-makers and lyricists, has been a poet at heart. Influenced at an early age by literary works of Tagore, the Oscar-winning lyricist shares a special bond with the “Bard of Bengal”. In a career spanning over 50 years, he has written poems in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi, and often translates from Bangla, the most recent being the two volumes of translations of Gurudev’s poems.

Veteran actress and politician, Jaya Bachchan is one of the finest film actresses of our time. Particularly known for her natural style of acting, she has the distinction of being the most-awarded female performer of the film industry.

In this event Gulzar will present his Hindi translations of selected works of Rabindranath Tagore along with a commentary in English, while Jaya Bachchan will preface the Hindi translations with the original Bangla version.

Proceeds from the sale of the concert will go to the welfare of the girl child