Narrator:
[00:00 - 00:10] (Instrumental music playing)
Narrator:
Salutations.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Salutations, son.
Narrator:
Today, on the occasion of Guru Purnima, several distinguished individuals are present here. The daughter-in-law of the great personality and eminent poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is here with us. She has come to pay her respects to you. Didi (Sister), since you are the daughter-in-law of Kazi Nazrul Islam, please share a few words.
Kalyani Kazi:
Actually, ever since I was a child, ever since he wrote poems for children like “Bhor Holo” (The Dawn has Come), I have felt a deep attraction toward him. Yes, even back then, I held a profound sense of devotion and respect for him, although I didn't understand much at the time.
Kalyani Kazi:
As I grew older, I began to realize how unique and extraordinary he was—his sense of patriotism and his non-communal (secular) outlook set him apart from others. Eventually, in 1953, I became a part of this family by marrying his youngest son, Kazi Aniruddha, who was also an artist.
Kalyani Kazi:
At that time, Baba (Kazi Nazrul Islam) was not in good health. His active professional life lasted only 22 years. Within those years, the amount of work he accomplished across various branches of music was incredible. Apart from music, there was his poetry and his revolutionary spirit.
Narrator:
You missed one point—he used to sit in the same place to perform both Namaz and Kali Puja.
Kalyani Kazi:
Yes, I was getting to that. He wrote songs across all genres. From the same seat, he composed Shyama Sangeet (devotional songs for Goddess Kali), songs about Krishna, and songs about the formless Brahman. Then there are the Islamic songs, which were, of course, a part of his own heritage. But he gave equal importance to every tradition.
Kalyani Kazi:
The most extraordinary feature of his songs is the melody. Many devotees have written songs for the Mother (Kali), but his compositions were unique. In songs like “Kalo Mayer Payer Tolay” (Beneath the Feet of the Dark Mother), the words and the melody are perfectly intertwined.
Kalyani Kazi:
Personally, I have had a passion for music since childhood. I even left my studies for music at one point, but after marriage, I was able to resume them with my family’s encouragement. One thing to note is that as a teacher or trainer, he was extremely sensitive. He understood exactly what a student was capable of and would guide them accordingly. He was a trainer at the HMV/Gramophone Company and at the radio station. He was always trying to do something new, even reviving many lost Ragas and Raginis to compose songs within those 22 years.
Kalyani Kazi:
I am very fortunate to have learned music from the respected Guru Dhirendra Chandra Mitra, who was a very close disciple of Baba. When I joined the family in 1953, Baba could still understand things. People used to think he had no mental strength or ability to speak, but he could understand. When I first went to pay my respects, my husband told me that Baba recognized those who were close to him. He even ate from my hands. When he saw a harmonium, he would make sounds to express his desire to sing.
Kalyani Kazi:
So, it’s not that I didn’t get to spend any time with him at all. I have many memories of his spirit. He used to walk very fast. When we went to Hazaribagh for morning walks, we would say, "Baba, slow down, slow down," but he would be at the corner of the road while we were still lagging.
Kalyani Kazi:
Anyway, at 84 years old, I’m sharing these stories today because you asked. I usually don't talk about him much.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Now, please sing a song for us.
Kalyani Kazi:
Yes, let me sing one.
Narrator:
[05:28 - 09:58] (Kalyani Kazi performs "Mahavidya Adya Shakti" accompanied by harmonium and percussion)
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
My goodness, I am so lucky today on Guru Purnima. My luck is incredible. I am almost afraid to even speak his name, but to have Kazi Nazrul Islam’s daughter-in-law here singing... it is my ultimate good fortune. I cannot say anything more; the others have already said it all. To have her here today is a blessing.
Kalyani Kazi:
Let me tell you one more thing. A vision came to my mind while I was singing. I was looking at the portrait of Mother (Kali), and as I sang, it felt as if I was singing to him (Nazrul). Look at the way he is looking in that portrait.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, quite mischievous!
Kalyani Kazi:
Yes, a very sweet and mischievous look. Anyway, to be able to sing for everyone at this age is enough for me. My main desire was to sing, and that has been fulfilled.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That’s wonderful.
Kalyani Kazi:
Should I sing “Shoshaney Jagiche Shyama Ma”?
Narrator:
We don't have much time, but you can sing a little bit of it if you’d like.
Kalyani Kazi:
Alright.
Narrator:
[11:16 - 13:42] (Kalyani Kazi performs "Shoshaney Jagiche Shyama Ma")
Narrator:
Thank you so much to both of you.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Salutations.
Kalyani Kazi:
Salutations.