| Bhupenda in Awahon Many have written articles,  poems and songs on legendary Bhupen Hazarika. And now, here is a play with Bhupen Hazarika as the central character, titled Bhul Nubujiba, Bhupenda (Don’t misunderstand Bhupenda), to be presented by prominent mobile troupe Awahon Theatre, in their 30th year. According to producer Krishna Roy, the play is going to be a major attraction. While the planning and concept of the play are by veteran film journalist-writer Pabitra Kumar Deka, it is directed by Abhijit Bhattacharya, who has also written the story. The theme is about a young die-hard admirer of Dr Hazarika, who forgets his miseries by listening to his songs. The story revolves around love, conflicts and tragedies of the youth. The play will cover a few popular songs of Dr Hazarika.Another Awahon play for the next session is Ras, written by filmmaker-dramatist Munin Baruah. The story depicts family ties and the love, affection and understanding between two brothers and sisters. Another play, written by Abhijit Bhattacharya, is based on a girl’s deep love for melodies, which become an inseparable part of her life. The title – Nache Gaane Mohania Suranjana, indicates that the play is full of music and dance. The title role of Suranjana is played by Aaimee Barua. The participation of popular actor Mridul Bhuyan and award winning Aaimee in major roles is definitely a plus point for Awahon Theatre. They are going to be supported by a host of artistes, including Aditi Bhuyan, who got the best actress award for her performance in the widely acclaimed Ma, Deuta Aru Maina. Narayan Barua and Debeswar Sarma are in charge of music. Art direction is by Nuruddin Ahmed and lighting by Dipak Roy. |
| Book on dhol A book on dhol, a first of its kind titled  Dholat Chapar Mari – Dhol Badyar Ashati Khanra Cheu, written by acclaimed dhol player Simanta Tamuli, has hit the stands. An analytical study of bol and Khanra Cheu of dhol, the book covers the grammar and methods of dhol playing in detail, with sketches of important parts of the popular Assamese leather instrument. It also carries one hundred ways of playing the Khanra Cheu, the appropriate rhythm of Bihu. The 100-page book is definitely a valuable contribution to the list of Assamese books on traditional music. The writer, himself an expert on dhol, hails from Silapathar. He has carved a niche by performing solo recitals in various parts of Assam and outside. Tamuli started playing the instrument at the age of five and is a disciple of Late Japora Bayon and Tulasi Ojah. |
| Appoccus reunion A seminar-cum-reunion of past and present Cottonians and an interactive meet has been organised under the aegis of the Association of Past and Present Officebearers of Cotton College Union Society on May 30 and 31, at the open sports ground of the college near the Dr SK Bhuyan Library. The subject of the seminar on May 30 is ‘Knowledge enterprise and institution building with special reference to Cotton College’. The day’s programme would include a tribute to predecessors and release of a book on higher education. On May 31, the programme would include a cultural procession at 10 am, an interactive meet and a cultural show in the evening. One of the highlights of the programme is presentation of a song written and tuned by Dr Bhupen Hazarika on the college and rendered by about hundred past and present Cottonians, including some reputed singers of the State. |
| New album Kongona Kongona is the name of a new  audio al bum which contains songs rendered by Samson and new singer Martina. The lyrics are by Pradip Kalita and set to tunes with well-defined musical arrangement by Samson. Two tunes by Chandra Singh Teron and Dhaneswar Ingty are also impressive. Incidentally, Samson is a familiar name in the field of modern Assamese songs. His co-singer Martina, from Guwahati, is undergoing training in classical songs. Both Samson and Martina, a BA student, are presently based in Mumbai. Her rendition in the album holds promise. |
Apurba Kumar Das