WBRi Exclusive Interview-Feature: http://j.mp/lipika-das

Before presenting a few excellent and interesting live songs in Bengali and their English originals, Lipika chats about her background and experience and shares thoughts with WBRi listeners in this video interview.

Speaking about the popularity of Nazrul geet in Bengal, Lipika is of the opinion that although the songs of Nazrul have not attained the same measure of popularity in West Bengal as compared to Rabindrasangeet, yet there is considerable demand for his songs, but only amongst certain groups of people. She attributes it to the lack of awareness and proper presentation of Nazrul geet. Talking about the differences between the two forms, Lipika believes that apart from the obvious disparities in terms of the rhythmic and tonal qualities, Nazrul geet has a far greater impact amongst the common masses because of the simplicity of its lyrics, whereas Rabindrasangeet has greater appeal amongst the educated classes. She realizes that there needs to be much more awareness in West Bengal about Nazrul songs before it attains the scale of popularity as in Bangladesh. The reason for this, she believes, is that the pattern of music preferred in Bengal is very different from that in Bangladesh. As such, an introduction of varied musical patterns can help in a greater acceptance of Nazrul songs here in Bengal.