The most defining expression of Bengali music, with an oeuvre of over two thousand songs, is Rabindranath Tagore’s Rabindra Sangeet. His lyrics were inspired by thoughts on devotion, love, nature and seasons, and patriotism, with two of his compositions becoming the national anthems of India and Bangladesh. His songs have been sung by some of the best vocalists in Bengal through the ages. Swagatalakshmi Dasgupta, poet, painter, writer, dancer and choreographer is above all, a celebrated contemporary singer who has sung the entire compilation of Tagore’s book, Gitobitan. She describes the mesmeric hold Tagore’s lyrics have on her.

<< Back to main Performing Art