Commemorative event will take place for Bari Siddiqui’s birthday

Today marks the birthday of the celebrated musician Bari Siddiqui, an artist whose voice brought immense popularity to the folk melodies of Bengal, and whose flute playing moved countless listeners to tears.

There are no special events planned for today; instead, a commemorative program will be held three days later, on November 18. The event, organized by the 'Bari Siddiqui Smriti Parishad' (Bari Siddiqui Memorial Council), will take place at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital.

The program is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 18, at the Music and Dance Auditorium of the Shilpakala Academy. Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, State Minister for Cultural Affairs and a Member of Parliament, is expected to attend as the chief guest. The event will be inaugurated by social worker and music enthusiast Engineer Moniruzzaman Khan.

According to the organizers, Bari Siddiqui secured a permanent place in the hearts of his audience through his soulful voice, exceptional flute playing, and unique style of performing folk music. The primary objective of this event is to introduce his musical journey and body of work to the new generation.

The program will feature reminiscences, the honoring of distinguished individuals, panel discussions, and cultural performances. Popular artists, including Shafi Mondal, Shahnaz Beli, Alam Ara Minu, Pathik Nabi, Nolok Babu, Salma, and Beauty, are set to perform.

The event will be presided over by Firoz Haider Khan, the chief patron of the Bari Siddiqui Smriti Parishad.

Bari Siddiqui was born on November 15, 1954, into a musical family in Netrokona, where he received his initial training. He later studied under the local master, Gopal Dutta, and soon gained guidance from several other eminent artists, including Ustad Aminur Rahman, Dabir Khan, and Pannalal Ghosh.

It was through the encouragement of the author and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed that Bari Siddiqui entered the professional music scene. He lent his voice to seven songs for Humayun Ahmed’s film, Srabon Megher Din. He gained recognition with the song Shua Chan Pakhi. He then produced numerous audio albums and lent his voice to several films. Some of his popular songs include Moner Dukkho Mone Roilo Re, Pubali Batashe, Oporadhi Hoileo Ami Tor, Amar Ghore Jwala Baireo Jwala, Ami Ekta Jinda Lash, and Amar Gaye Joto Dukkho Soy, among others.

After suffering from kidney-related complications for about two years, Bari Siddiqui passed away on November 24, 2017.

-    NS