Music is not for entertainment only - Abdul Hadi
Syed Abdul Hadi has been a major talent in our music arena for nearly 45 years. He is now utilising his vast experience in the field to find out the diversity as well as the chronological development of music in Bangladesh.
Hadi says, ‘At present I am busy with a music programme titled Kichhu Kotha Kichhu Gaan which is an ntv production. M Muzakker, Mostafa Kamal Syed and I have jointly submitted the concept of the programme to the channel. I host the programme Kichhu Kotha Kichhu Gaan. The show includes Rabindra Sangeet (Tagore’s song), Nazrul Sangeet (Nazrul’s song) and the ’so-called’ Aadhunik gaan (modern songs). In future we have plans to work in the other branches of music also.’
Hadi runs a busy schedule, taking part in stage shows both in the country and abroad. However, he is not inclined to perform on BTV for emotional reasons. Hadi says that he will not appear on BTV until he is given due recognition.
‘For unknown reasons I was not invited to the inaugural programme of the archives. Although I joined BTV as a producer from the very inception in 1964, my name was not even mentioned in the publication. However, I introduced many concepts for the channel like magazine programme, quiz programme, programmes related to students and so on. Moreover, I am one of the senior most artistes in the country.’
‘I do not think it is a kind of political victimisation as I am not linked with any political party. The reason behind this, I think, is the hostile attitude of the people who are at the helm of the channel. I fail to understand why Kalim Sharafi, the first director of the channel, was not invited either,’ Hadi adds.
Reminiscing on his musical career, Hadi says, ‘I started taking music lessons from my childhood. However, I had no particular mentor. But, while I was a student of Dhaka University I had the opportunity to interact with singers like Mostafa Zaman Abbasi, Asafudaullah and others. I first sang in an Urdu film entitled Eaee Bhi Ek Kahani (This is also a story) in 1960. From then on, I was involved with the media.’
Hadi is disappointed with the present scenario of music. He says, ‘The production companies, as well as a handful of artistes are to blame for the decline.’
‘The production companies treat music like any other commodity. They have no commitment to music. Their approach is to make profits at any cost, which is not acceptable. They have confused the listeners. The audience cannot distinguish between the quality works from mass productions. At the same time the artistes should keep in mind that music is not for mere entertainment or cheap popularity. It is the finest form of art and they should respect it.’
‘If only the artistes have deep feelings for music only then the songs would be immortal and popular for a length of time.’ Moreover, he says, ‘ The new generation has the potential, but lacks commitment.’
He appreciates band music but does not like fusion music. Hadi says, ‘Fusion is in fact ‘confusion’ to me. If someone synthesises his/her voice it is not music. It should be either instrumental or vocal.’
However, Hadi is optimistic about the future of our music industry. He says, ‘There will obviously be a positive change in the long run, since people reject poor quality productions.’
About his achievements Syed Abdul Hadi says, ‘The love and respect of my audience is most important to me. The government honoured me with the Ekushey Padok in 2000. Moreover, I have won Jatio Cholochitra Purushkar five times.’
In the coming days Hadi will to build on his achievements and continue with his musical career.
Source: The Daily Star, May 14, 2004
Post Your Comments