Documentary on Bengals music heritage

Their mesmerising beats had reached a crescendo during the princely era. Without royal patronage,thanks to rising unemployment and a insignificant income,the rhythm of Bengals legendary dhaki players traditional drummers now threatens to fall silent. Viplab Majumders documentary Divine Drums was screened at Mumbais Film City on September 3 and shows the poignant reality of the incredibly talented and poverty-stricken dhakis and was much appreciated. A large number of celebrities from the music,film,television and fashion industries came for the screening and pledged that they would do whatever they could to help preserve the dhak. Music composer Bappi Lahiri,an accomplished dhaki player himself,Dr Soma Ghosh and Pt. Ronu Muzumdar were present.

As a Bengali,Ive regarded it as my duty to do something for this art, said Mazumder. As a filmmaker,I wanted to do my bit for those unknown and unrecognised drum players who are the most essential part of the Durga Puja festival.