Bengalis in Hyderabad

This is an audio documentary on one of the greatest exponents of Rabindrasangeet, done by a noted film and documentary maker, Utpalendu Chakraborty. This documentary highlights the life and works of Debabrata Biswas through anecdotes and personal reminiscences by the singer himself. This also features some rare songs sung by him, like 'Amar Pratibader Bhasa' (composed by Salil Choudhury) when he was associated with the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA). It is interesting to note that he was later disillusioned by this People's Theatre Movement because he thought, in order to instigate the people, they had to stay with the people, learn their language and work with them. It also touches upon his tussle with Viswabharati Music Board and the consequent obstacle to his recording.

Another special feature of this documentary, is a reminiscence by Satyajit Ray, where he expresses his admiration for Debabrata Biswas and highlights the qualities which distinguishes him. On the whole, one will find different shades of his character which is marked by simplicity, straight forwardness, sense of humour and self-respect. Perhaps, these qualities make him one of the most loved singers of our time.

Documentary Details

Script, Music and Direction : Utpalendu Chakraborty

Reminiscence by Satyajit Ray

Background Voice : Debabrata Biswas

Commentry : Madhabi Chakraborty

Arrangement : Aalo Kundu

Assistant Director : Prabir Ganguli

Assistant Music Director : Aloknath Dey

Editor : Bulu Ghosh

Sound Recording : Shyamal Roychoudhury

Accompaniment : Dinesh Chandra, Biplab Mandal, Rabin Ganguly, Soumen Bose

Songs and Music :

Rabindranath Tagore,  Jyotirindranath Tagore. Sukanta Bhattacharya, Salil Choudhury

The traditional six day countdown to Mahasaptami starts from Mahalaya. Goddess Durga visits the earth for only four days but seven days prior to the Pujas, starts the Mahalaya. The enchanting voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra fill up the predawn hours of the day thus marking the beginning of " devipaksha " and the beginning of the count-down of Durga Puja. Sarat in its bloom, mingled with the festive spirit of Durga Puja reaches its pitch on the day of Mahalaya. From this day starts 'Devipaksha' and marks the end of 'Pitri-paksha'.

It is the day when many throng to the banks of river Ganga, clad in dhotis to offer prayers to their dead relatives and forefathers.People in the pre-dawn hours pray for their demised relatives and take holy dips in the Ganges. This ritual is known as

'Torpon'. This day bears immense significance for the Bengalis. It is according to the myths that Sree Rama hastily performed Durga Puja just before he set for Lanka to rescue Sita from Ravana.

According to Puranas, King Suratha, used to worship goddess Durga in spring. Thus Durga Puja was also known as Basanti Puja. But Rama preponed the Puja and worshiped Durga in autumn and that is why it is known as 'Akal Bodhon' or untimely worship. It was considered untimely as it is in the myths that puja was performed when the Gods and Goddesses were awake i.e. "Uttarayan" and was not held when the Gods and Goddesses rested ie."Dakshinayan".

It was on the day of Mahalaya,the beginning of "devipaksha",the Gods and Goddesses woke up to prepare themselves for Durga Puja. Akashvani Mahalaya: In the year 1930, Mahalaya was first broadcasted over the radio in Akashvani. The programme was organised by Premankur Aatorthi, Birendra Krishna Bhadra, Nripendra Krishna Mukhopadhya and Raichand Boral. It was broadcasted live then. Later it was recorded and played. Bengal's cine star, Uttam Kumar had once recited Mahalaya while Hemanta Kumar Mukhopadhya was the music director. But it was not popular among the mass and from then it has always been the voice of Birendra Kishna Bhadra  enthralling the listeners in the pre-dawn hours of Mahalaya. The script was written by Bani Kumar, music was directed by Pankaj Kumar Mallik while  Dijen Mukhopadhya, Manobendra Mukhopadhya (Tabo Achinta....), Sandhya Mukhopadhya, Arati Mukhopadhya, Utpala Sen, Shyamal Mitra and Supriti Ghosh (Bajlo tomar alor benu....) sang in their melodious voices.

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