Voice of Mahalaya musical, Bhadra was synonymous with Durga Puja: Mamata
Kolkata, Aug 4: Amidst the countdown for Durga Puja in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid tribute to Birendra Krishna Bhadra -- the legendary voice behind the Mahalaya musical -- on his birth anniversary on Saturday.
Setting the drums rolling for the Durga Puja festivities, the Chief Minister tweeted: "Homage to Birendra Krishna Bhadra on his birth anniversary. He is synonymous with #DurgaPujo for Bengalis, all thanks to the iconic radio programme Mahishasura Mardini that airs on Mahalaya."
Mahishasura Mardini, a 90-minute musical piece, was first composed in 1931 and is immensely popular even today. Bhadra was the narrator whose soulful rendition of slokas caught the imagination of the listeners.
Born on August 4, 1905, the legendary presenter passed away on November 3, 1991, at the age of 86. But his sonorous voice has been immortalized through this composition.
Even now the recorded version of this musical drama, that celebrates Goddess Durga's arrival on Earth, is aired on the day of the Mahalaya, which is observed a week before the start of the Durga Puja.
Bhadra was also a playwright and director. His works include 'Mess No. 49', a theatre production and 'Saheb Bibi Golam', authored by Bimal Mitra.
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Absconding theft accused arrested in Sullia, court awards jail term
Sullia: Bellare police have arrested a 24-year-old man who had been absconding after being accused in a house break-in and theft case.
The accused has been identified as Sharath S from Neriya in Belthangady taluk.
The court sentenced Sharath to six months of imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 500 under Section 457 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In connection with the theft offence under Section 380 of the BNS, the court awarded 10 months of imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 500. The court also directed that he would have to undergo an additional 10 days of imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
In a separate matter, the court also considered a case registered against Sharath under Section 269 of the BNS for remaining absconding instead of appearing before the court. In this case, the court ordered him to either undergo 10 days of imprisonment or pay a fine of Rs 1,000.
The investigation in the case was carried out by Sub-Inspector Santhosh B.P., who gathered witness statements and submitted the charge sheet before the court. Assistant Public Prosecutor Preethi M.C. represented the government during the hearing.
