Barun Kr. Das, The Bengal News, Kolkata, India : Celebrating the timeless charm of radio, a special event titled “Kan Pete Roi” was organized on the occasion of World Radio Day at The Yellow Turtle in South Kolkata. The evening witnessed an emotional and insightful tribute to legendary radio voice Shrabanti Majumdar, who was felicitated for her immense contribution to the medium.
The event was hosted by The Dreamers and attended by noted personalities including singer Hemanti Roy, composer and instrumentalist Soumya Dasgupta, radio personality Debashis Basu, and Sudipta Chand, among others. In a brief conversation during the programme, Shrabanti Majumdar reflected on her journey and remarked, “Radio never tires people.” Recalling her early days in Kolkata, she shared that she had initially arrived with the intention of pursuing music, without any concrete plans of working in radio. Over time, she learned through experience and dedication, gradually carving a niche for herself in the world of broadcasting.
While she acknowledged the importance of memories, Majumdar emphasized the need to move forward rather than remain confined to nostalgia. Expressing optimism about the future, she said she believes that time moves in cycles and that a new generation committed to quality work will emerge once again.
The discussion also revisited the golden era of radio dramas, advertising jingles, and popular broadcast programmes. Soumya Dasgupta, son of legendary composer Sudhin Dasgupta, reminisced about recording sessions with Majumdar. He revealed that in earlier days, musicians would earn as little as twenty-five rupees per recording. For advertising songs, multiple compositions were often created, from which only the best would be selected.
Contemporary radio presenter Raja Das acknowledged that his generation has learned immensely from stalwarts like Majumdar and Basu. “There are very few companions like radio,” he observed, highlighting the emotional bond listeners share with the medium.
Event organiser Hemanti Roy also shared her childhood memories, describing radio as a constant companion—even during family trips.
The evening concluded on a musical note, with Hemanti Roy performing several iconic Bengali songs, including “Ami Banglay Gaan Gai,” “Aj Gun Gun Gun Kunje Amar,” “Tokhon Tomar Ekush Bochor Bodh Hoy,” and “Sei Raate Raat Chhilo Purnima,” leaving the audience immersed in nostalgia and melody.
The programme not only honoured a legendary voice but also reaffirmed radio’s enduring relevance in an age dominated by digital media.
