Nandita Yasmin
After moving back to California in 2014, I have been busy settling down with my family and adjusting to life away from the vibrant musical scene in Dhaka and Kolkata. It was not a very easy decision for me to leave behind my fulfilling and blossoming career back home. But the thought that I would meet a huge number of new Bengali people here who love Rabindranath and his songs made it a bit easier for me. I was sure, I would be able to connect with them through my music. And I was right. In no time bengali people around here have acknowledged me and embraced me as their beloved Rabindrasangeet singer. I didn't have to make any effort to establish my identity as a new member of their community. Since then I have realized one thing very well that I have to contribute to the community of Bangalis to strengthen the root of Bengali culture in California. I can even contribute to the bengali communities all over the world through my music. I have never been away from Rabindranath Tagore for a single moment in the midst of my hectic days. I have never been without singing his song. Rabindranath plays a vital role in my life as one of the most powerful source of my strength and happiness.
I know that my fans and my friends miss me a lot. They ask me tonnes of questions related to my regular availability in the media, my concerts, and my plans on teaching. Now I have very good news to share with all of my fans, friends and well wishers - I have opened a music institution 'Kori O Komol' in Fremont, CA where I teach Rabindrasangeet to both adults and teens. If you live in the Bay area you can join me in-person for group lessons. You can reach me through the contact page for detailed information regarding the class structure and fees.
I know that my fans and my friends miss me a lot. They ask me tonnes of questions related to my regular availability in the media, my concerts, and my plans on teaching. Now I have very good news to share with all of my fans, friends and well wishers - I have opened a music institution 'Kori O Komol' in Fremont, CA where I teach Rabindrasangeet to both adults and teens. If you live in the Bay area you can join me in-person for group lessons. You can reach me through the contact page for detailed information regarding the class structure and fees.
Background
- Birthday: 11th November
- Daughter of an Eminent academician, National Professor of Bangladesh and a famous T.V personality Mustafa Nurul Islam
- Completed Masters in Anthropology, 1998, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh and Masters in Sociology, 2001, George Mason University, VA, USA
- Completed 9 years long Certificate Course (1983-1992) in Rabindrasangeet from Sangeet Bhavan, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Mother of two beautiful children
- Professional Rabindrasangeet singer since 2008
- Won the 7th Citycell Channel I award in 2011 as the best Rabindrashangeet singer by popular choice for her album ‘Abar Jodi Bhashai Bhela’ produced by Bengal Foundation
- Represented Bangladesh Government at the celebration of Rabindranath Tagore’s 150th Birth Anniversary in Kolkata and Delhi
- Member of the Musical Organization ‘Rabiraag’, led by her mentor Sadi Mohammad; Also a member of Bangladesh Rabindrashangeet Shilpi Shongstha and Bangladesh Rabindrashageet Shommelan Parishad.
- Performs regularly on BTV, all private channels in Dhaka, Bangladesh and TARA Muzik channel in Kolkata, India
My Mentors
My initiation to the realm of music happened at the tender age of 5 at the hand of Late Moshad Ali. I started taking formal training in Rabindra Shangeet in 1983 at the music school ‘Shangeet Bhaban’ which was led by famous Tagore singer Kalim Sharafi. During my time at ‘Shangeet Bhaban’ I had the rare opportunity to learn from musical luminaries like Kalim Sharafi, Sadi Mohammad, Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, Late Aminur Rahman Nijhu, and Mridul Kanti Chakrabarti.
In order to further refine & perfect my singing and understanding of Tagore music, I received intensive training from famous Tagore singer Sadi Mohammad, who has a stellar musical background from Shanti Niketan and from the eminent Tagore singer Mita Huq. Both Sadi Mohammad and Mita Huq have kept providing invaluable guidance and inspiration to me. |
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Favorites
- Singers: Kanika Bandhapadhaya, Subinoy Roy, Kalim Sharifi, Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya, Sadi Mohammad, Mita Huq
- Movie Directors: Satyajit Ray, Rituparno Ghosh, Kaushik Ganguly and Srijit Mukharjee
- Film Personalities: Shabana Azmi, Deepti Naval, Farookh Shekh, Nasiruddin Shah, Aparna Sen, Kankana Sen Sharma, Parambrata Chatterjee
- Hobbies: Listening to music, watching movies, home decoration & cooking
