Actor Soumitra recites English translations of Tagore’s poems

Thespian Soumitra Chatterjee has lent his voice to English translation of Tagore’s poems for an album for the first time.

“I enjoyed the experience. I narrated for the first time in English for such an album. Tagore is too personal for me and everybody. I like to reflect on his songs in the deep interiors of my own self. It is true for everyone. But I will be happy if my work is liked,” the Dadasaheb Phalke awardee said about recording of the album “Se Je Sob Hote Apon” — named after one of Tagore’s songs.

Debashis Bhattacharya, who conceptualised the album, said Chatterjee's recitation sets the mood for the songs.

“Soumitra babu had okayed the transliteration by his daughter Poulomi, who is an acclaimed linguist herself. But he replaced some words and phrases during the recording. His recitations come before every song,” Debashis Bhattacharya, who conceptualised the album, said.

“His recitation of the English verses set the mood for the songs and serve to initiate the listener. The whole exercise is aimed at the new generation who call Tagore songs as Rabithakurer gaan and not Rabindra Sangeet,” Bhattacharya said.

The recitation will serve to impart a global feel to the album which will contain Tagore’s songs in Bengali, he added.

“I think more work is being done on Bengali language and culture in Bangladesh than here. Initiatives like ‘Se Je Sob Hote Apon’ will help in fostering interest about Rabindranath among the youth here,” Chatterjee said.