KOLKATA: Move over Piggy Chops, if all goes well then Paschim Banga’s favourite Didi could well be launching her music career.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s penchant for arts and culture is no secret. Banerjee has written books and even exhibited her paintings, the proceeds of which have gone to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party funds. Now the busiest lady of the state and perhaps even within the UPA II has decided to turn her poems into songs. She has given three of her poems to well-known Bengali composer Jeet Gannguli and the possibility of a music album can’t be ruled out.
The hit composer who is awaiting the release of his latest film, Shree Venkatesh Film’s 100% Love, was impressed by Banerjee’s passion for music. Their brief interaction on December 27 last year on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the national anthem at the Town Hall sealed the deal. On their journey to the venue, Banerjee had read out some of the poems that she had written during her college days. “Didi has given me three of her poems and I’m going to compose music for them. I was very surprised to know that she has listened to many of my songs,” said Jeet Gannguli. Not only had Banerjee listened to Gannguli’s earlier compositions, she is also believed to have a sound knowledge of the technicalities involved in music-making as well.
In most of the birthday celebrations or death anniversaries of national and state luminaries commemorated at Writers’ Building, Banerjee is often seen singing with gusto and enthusiasm. The composer would definitely want the poet to sing her own songs and will be proposing it to Banerjee in his subsequent meetings. Gannguli believes that the songs would be yet another way for the TMC Chief to reach out to the masses. It can hardly be music to the Opposition’s ears!