'Natir Puja' revisits Dhaka

'Natir Puja' (The Court Dancer), the only film directed by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, has revisited Dhaka with its strong universal message of love, hope, tolerance and religious harmony.

A pre-screening of the documentary film was held at Baridhara residence of Dhaka Courier and UNB editor-in-chief Enayetullah Khan on Tuesday night that entranced both the foreign and local audience.

Professor Karl Bardosh directed the new version of 'Natir Puja' while Enayetullah Khan was its executive producer.

Environment and forests minister Anisul Islam Mahmud, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) executive chairman Kazi M Aminul Islam, Dhaka University’s International Relations professor CR Abrar, UNB chairman Amanullah Khan, UNB director Nahar Khan, diplomats, artists and film lovers were present.

Enayetullah Khan said 'Natir Puja', in today's circumstances, carries a very special message - message of peace. "It's so important that we are tolerant to each other's views."

Khan said they will produce a book on 'Natir Puja' when there will be a formal launching of the documentary film.

 "The only reason I got involved in this film is that it has such a universal message!" he said thanking Prof Karl Bardosh for inviting him to join hands.

Earlier, UNB director Nahar Khan briefly talked about the film saying it carries the message of religious tolerance.

The audience highly appreciated the efforts made by the persons behind the documentary film saying the message of the film is still very much relevant.

They also appreciated the very high sound quality, music and songs that made them captivated their senses. The song 'Amar Sokol Dukher Prodipthat' is part of theoriginal score for the film proved a particular favourite.

The story of 'Natir Puja', a landmark drama in social history, is rooted in an ancient Buddhist legend, the premise being that art, especially dance, as it relates to the script, overrides notions such as nationality and has the power to be universal. It is a great equaliser.

The film, through the beautiful story, conveys the timeless message that in times when prejudices run amok, tolerance is our species' most important trait.

The original prints of the film Tagore made were destroyed in a studio fire only a year after its launching. After much perseverance and efforts, Prof Bardosh was able to bring alive the film to provide a fascinating insight into Tagore's making of the film.

With Enayetullah Khan as the film's executive producer, it was unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016.