Indian Musicians Express Desire to Rebuild Cultural Bridges with Bangladesh
In a significant development, several prominent Indian musicians have voiced their readiness to rebuild cultural ties with Bangladesh under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. This move comes in response to recent statements by the Bangladesh Prime Minister, who emphasized that the state belongs to all citizens regardless of political views, religion, or ideologies, with a priority on restoring peace and security. The musicians, who were previously forced to leave Dhaka following the vandalism at Chhayanaut, are now open to returning to perform and foster unity through music.
Personal and Professional Reconnections on the Horizon
Sarod player Shiraz Ali Khan, who had a concert at Dhaka's Chhayanaut on December 19 just hours after the venue was vandalized, initially fled to Kolkata and declared he would not return until artists and cultural institutions were respected. However, in a recent interview, Khan shared a change of heart, stating, "Given my ancestral roots in Bangladesh and the fact that my family still lives there, this is deeply personal for me. I am genuinely looking forward to returning — not just as a performer, but as someone reconnecting with his own soil and people." He emphasized that music transcends politics, carrying memory, healing, and unity, and believes musicians have a responsibility to support peace and cultural exchange.
Tabla player Mainak Biswas, who was scheduled to accompany Khan at the Chhayanaut concert, also expressed openness to revisiting Bangladesh. "I carry the memories of the 48 hours of intense anxiety of being stranded in Dhaka after the vandalism. But I am not going to judge Bangladesh based on that one incident," Biswas said. He noted his previous performances in Bangladesh and his keenness to perform again if peace is restored under the new regime.
Hope and Caution Among the Artistic Community
Pt Tanmoy Bose, who condemned the Chhayanaut vandalism, highlighted Bangladesh's long history of valuing music and art. "Despite the upheavals of recent years, connoisseurs in Bangladesh have remained in the country. I strongly condemned the attack at Chhayanaut, a place where I have performed on several occasions," he said. Bose expressed optimism that the situation will improve and cultural ties will strengthen.
On the other hand, musician Pulak Sarkar adopted a more cautious approach, preferring to wait and watch. He mentioned his involvement in the annual Poila Boishakh event in Bangladesh, where 1,000 singers perform in unison—a tradition ongoing since 2011, except for last year. "The polls have just happened and it is quite early to expect things to change. Yet, I am hopeful. I feel that the situation will change and we will be able to visit Bangladesh again," Sarkar stated, adding his interest in collaborating with Bangladeshi musicians associated with Surer Dhara.
This collective sentiment underscores a broader desire among Indian artists to use music as a tool for healing and unity, bridging gaps in the wake of political and social challenges. The willingness to engage reflects a belief in the power of cultural exchange to foster peace and mutual respect between the two nations.
