A generational talent graced Dhaka, what was our reaction?

Entertainment Desk :    |    ০৭:২৩ পিএম, ২০২২-০৩-৩১

It has always been difficult to please everyone, especially in the age of social media -- where everyone feels not only entitled to an opinion, but also entitled to share it regardless of how crude or unfiltered it may be.

A R Rahman, also known as the Mozart of Madras, a two-time Oscar winner, frankly did not need the aforementioned award from the West to solidify his legacy in music. He performed at the "Cricket Celebrates Mujib 100" concert at Mirpur Sher-e Bangla Stadium on Tuesday, along with our own legends -- Momotaz Begum and Miles.

However, the melody that resonated at the Sher-e Bangla was almost drowned in negativity from people around it – either from the unfortunate commuters who were caught in a traffic jam because of the arrangement (our city is admittedly not ideal for a large-scale concert as such), or listeners who simply felt that the concert did not do enough to promote Bangladesh and our local music.

While it is difficult to argue with some of the points made above, in no way is it acceptable to direct the criticism towards A R Rahman himself, who bared his soul during his performance set of 35 songs. The tasteless remarks made on the social media livestream, made it an embarrassing affair for everyone who tried to enjoy the concert through the internet.

From a purely musical standpoint, the concert did produce the atmosphere that BCB and Bashundhara Group were hoping for, despite the rain delay and various blunders made throughout the event. The sudden halt in live-streaming due to 'technical difficulties' during the performance was head-scratching, to say the least.

However, Rahman singing "Kun Faya Kun" with all his soul was to wash away many of the complaints that the live audience had up till that point.

Sivamani's drum solo, where he used a water filter found in every nook and cranny of the city to provide astounding beats, was also a remarkable sight, as was the legendary Hariharan's surprise appearance, recreating his own timeless melodies. As a long-time fan, witnessing the world famous music director sing about the Father of the Nation was special –"Pahar Eshe Shurjo Eshe Abar Dekhe Nik

Mujiber Shei Torjoni Tai Abar Dekhaye Dik"

Zulfiqer Russell's lyrics came to life in the hands of the maestro, certainly a proud moment for the veteran lyricist.

Like most things in life, the concert certainly was not perfect. Even though most of the songs in the line-up were performed live, some pre-recorded tracks stuck out like a sore thumb. The omission of Momotaz Begum and Miles from the event tickets was simply baffling. 

Our artistes certainly deserve more respect, and it would have been great to see some of them collaborate with A R Rahman for the programme, which would have left more of a message of a bilateral friendship than Aditya Narayan simply saying "I wish we could leave instantly, so that we could come back again."

In the end, regardless of all the negativity, it is hard to change the facts – A R Rahman performed in Dhaka, he performed with all his heart. As we develop as a country, many of the logistical problems will hopefully fade away, leaving only the memories of a universally beloved musician serenading us.