The 80th birth anniversary of classical music maestro Ustad Sunil Kumar Dhar was celebrated on March 28. A group of friends and students of the guru organised the programme at his Aatharabari Road residence in the town.
A cultural function was also held on the occasion.
The students of the maestro -- Ashik Sarker Tushar, Surupa Dhar, Debajani Kar and Subir Baron Dhar and Shamsul Islam -- performed on the occasion.
Dhar delighted the audience with a live performance as well.
Among others, Professor Bimol Kanti Dey and Dr. P.N. Sarker were present. Earlier, students greeted the maestro with bouquets of flowers marking the occasion.
Dhar was fortunate to receive lessons from the legendary classical music guru Ustad Allauddin Khan when the latter was staying at the palace of Muktagacha zamindars, in 1952.
A devoted Dhar also took lessons from another guru, Jagadananda Barua, on Dhrupad and Dhamar.
Dhar has been honoured by several organisations for his contribution to classical music.
Sunil Dhar was honoured with 'Sangeet Bhashkar' title by Dhruba Parishad and a gold medal from Art Council in 1958. Sandipon Sangskritik Sangstha, Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Shilpi Parishad and Nazrul Sena, Mymensingh also honoured the artiste.
He was also a regular performer on Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar.
During his long innings, Dhar also performed with reputed artistes of both Bangladesh and India -- including Abbasuddin Ahmed, Abdul Alim, Sohrab Hossain, Khadem Hossain Khan and Mir Kashem Khan.
Founder principal of Mymensingh Nazrul Academy (since 1966) and president of Dhruba Parishad Mymensingh unit, Dhar was also associated with a variety of cultural organisations including Mymensingh Shilpakala Academy and Muktagacha Sangeet Vidyalaya.