ওয়াশিংটন বাংলা রেডিও Washington Bangla Radio USA

Deenga performing live on stage

Washington DC, May 10, 2012 (Washington Bangla Radio) Thir name, "Deenga", literally means a small boat in Bangla language. They are six guys sailing on an ocean of music. Meet the promising young Bengali folk-rock fusion band from Kolkata.

Deenga’s members are influenced by different genres of music which is reflected in their compositions. Deenga is very much influenced by Bengal's folk and rural songs, and they rearrange those songs to create their signature sound.

Their philosophy is to do simple music and spread peace and harmony. Deenga’s first album published by Asha Audio in   2005 was titled "Bhese Pori" (let's sail).

Formed in 2003 when six like minded professional musicians thought of getting together and doing something on their own, Deenga are a pretty well known band in today's Kolkata music circuit, which they attribute to their belief and confidence on themselves and hard work, though they, of course, feel there is still a long way to go. Their music is sometimes about the present political scenario, love and emotions of human heart, and the society we live in. "Nothing is compared to hard work and dedication. Music flows from your heart so don’t be too technical…it is feel that gives rise to good music" summarize Deenga about the path to musical success.

The sailors of Deenga

They like to imagine themselves to be sailors on a Deenga. Meet these sailors and listen to their songs via WBRi.

Charbak Dipta grew up in Bongaon in West Bengal, India. His dad, Diptarup Das, is an amateur film-maker and ardent music lover while his mother Sanchita Das is herself a singer. Being the only son, Charbak grew up in the musical environment and started taking music lessons from his mother from the age of two and half.

Influenced by various Ustads and Pandits of Indian classical music ranging from Ustad Abdul Karim Khan to Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, from Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan to Vidushi Girija Devi, Charbak's idols are Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty who later became his Guru, and Satyajit Ray. He initially took lessons in Tabla and then started to learn Hindusthani classical vocal. His mother was his first guru, and later he became a disciple of Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khan and Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan. Whatever little knowledge of music he has now is because of these brothers. They trust him as a student and have complete faith on his musical ability.

Charbak also took lessons in light music from Indrani Sen and Rabindrasangeet form Shrabani Sen. He has blessings from Sumitra Sen, the Rabindrasangeet veteran who loves his music. In addition, he has learnt to play the guitar and classical piano from Dolna Day School and the prestigious Calcutta School of Music.

Charbak has now evolved into professional singing, and appears on TV channels like Tara Musik, TV Southasia and more, as well as various community and commercial radio stations like Friend's FM in Calcutta. He is a semifinalist in the Television reality talent hunt competition show "KHOJ 2 - The Search" and a City Winner of Maruti Suzuki Colors of Youth show. Read all about the young talented singer and listen to a few of his songs on WBRi.

Washington DC, March 27, 2012 (Washington Bangla Radio) Born and raised in Kolkata Anushree Gupta grew up in a joint family amidst lots of love, lots of music and lots of poetry. Her dad was an expert Table player (though he chose to not play professionally) and her mother is a talented singer. Her grandfather has been a major inspiration for Anushree - he used to write beautiful devotional songs that she would sing with him. They spent magical moments together with music.

Read all about Anushree and her songs and listen to her beautiful texture online on WBRi.

Kalamandalam Calcutta has been one of India’s most respected dance institutes for South Indian Classical dance. For more than 4 decades, the academy has been imparting dance training to students from Calcutta and around the country. WBRi caught up with Kalamandalam’s secretary Shri.Somnath.G. Kutty to know more about the founder, the institute and its Premier Classical Dance Troupe of Kolkata, Performing Wing. 

Rajesh Kumar is an a illusionist, street magician, mentalist and metal bender from India. He has appeared in a TV show and named India’s Magic Star on STAR One TV Channel (now folded into STAR Player).  This was one of the most successful Television shows on STAR One having top TRP. Rajesh is one of India’s leading modern illusionists.

Read all about Rajesh Kumar and watch a video of his Indian magic performances on WBRi. Also do not miss our exclusive interview with the young magician Pouroosh Sorcar (P C Sorcar Master).