Early Days of Music in Dhaka - Abbasuddin Ahmed (Eng.)

Abbasuddin Ahmed (1901-1959) was a renowned Bengali musician, scholar and recording artist. He was among the earliest Indian artists to take to the gramophone, and gained widespread acclaim in Calcutta before moving to Dacca in 1947. The essay featured in this episode is part of his 1961 autobiography, translated into English by his granddaughter, the musician and scholar Nashid Kamal. It talks about the early days of life in a newly independent East Pakistan, and the various struggles that Ahmed had to endure to establish a foothold in Dacca. Ahmed recalls traveling across the country, singing songs of hope to his fellow citizens, his many trips representing Pakistan at folk festivals across the world, the unease of East Pakistani musicians in singing songs of an 'Islamic' character, and the future of classical and folk music in the region.

Featured music:

1. Abbasuddin Ahmed - Zameen Firdaus Pakistan ki Hogi(Courtesy of Absar Ahmed)

2. Abbasuddin, Hemlata - Naiyur Chariya Dau Mor