Centenarian Maestro's Kolkata Concert: A Testament to Timeless Art and Discipline
On February 21, the Vivekananda Hall at the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture in Golpark, Kolkata, witnessed a historic event as Sangeetacharya Amiya Ranjan Bandyopdhyay took the stage on his 100th birthday. More than 1,200 listeners sat spellbound, with an additional 200 people turned away due to lack of space, underscoring the immense devotion and respect for this veteran musician.
A Rare Celebration of a Lifetime in Music
In a city renowned for honoring its musical legends, this concert stood out as a rare spectacle—a centenarian Indian classical vocalist commanding the room with quiet authority, not seeking applause but offering music shaped by decades of dedication. The audience included esteemed figures such as Pt Ajoy Chakraborty, Pt Anindo Chatterjee, Pt Kushal Das, and Pt Subhen Chatterjee, adding to the event's significance.
Reflecting on the overwhelming response, Bandyopadhyay shared, "I've seen people who didn't live honestly pull strings for recognition. But the spontaneous, heartfelt reaction at my centenary concert felt like my reward for an honestly led life." This sentiment highlights the deep connection between his artistry and personal integrity.
Unwavering Routine and Lifelong Learning
Despite recovering from a viral fever that forced a pause in his daily riyaaz (practice), Bandyopadhyay performed with remarkable vigor. His son and guru, Pt Shantanu Bandyopadhyay, revealed his father's exacting daily routine: waking at 7 AM, showering at 11:45 AM, lunch at 12:15 PM, a nap until 2 PM, writing until 4 PM, teaching until 8 PM, and dinner by 9 PM—all while carving out time for composition.
Ageism is absent from Bandyopadhyay's vocabulary. At 85, he began learning Hindi to ensure flawless pronunciation in every bandish (composition). At 90, he embraced computers, refusing to let age limit his capabilities. "Before the fever, every morning he practised at home with a tanpura and tabla player. At night, after dinner, he listened back to recordings, searching for any imperfections. That's how he's kept his brain alive," Shantanu explained.
Global Influence and Teaching Legacy
Bandyopadhyay continues to teach around 50 students worldwide, some in person and others via phone on speaker mode, demonstrating his commitment to passing on his knowledge. His concert, accompanied by Pt Samar Saha, became a landmark for many attendees.
Music connoisseur Meena Banerjee noted, "The Sangeetacharya's music is emotive, mellifluous, and peaceful. He is still going strong in the Amirkhani style without lengthy 'badhat'. The small, multifarious phrases of raga Bihag, strung aesthetically with delicate meends, cast their spell before his quicksilver taans, which thrilled the young audience." This performance marked a unique centenary celebration, offering Kolkata a birthday treat unlike any other.
Inspiration Beyond Music
Bandyopadhyay's story transcends music, serving as an inspiration for lifelong learning and resilience. His disciplined lifestyle and curiosity at 100 challenge societal norms about aging, proving that passion and dedication know no bounds.
