Shoptomi serenity with Sunidhi

Durga Puja this year was preceded by a couple of months that saw much upheval, naturally, people longed for something to brighten their celebrations, and nothing does that quite like music. Especially in a culture where music is woven deeply into tradition and Durga Puja, rooted in heritage, is no exception. 
When Sunidhi Nayak, by now an established voice of Bangla music, announced her special night, 'Shoptomi with Sunidhi,' anticipation grew among the fans. Her fans, familiar with the soothing magic of her voice, knew how effortlessly Sunidhi could bring calm and serenity to an evening traditionally dedicated to devotion and prayer.
The event took place at Jatra Biroti, a serene spot on the outskirts of Banani, perfect for music lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. Unsurprisingly, it was sold out, as no one wanted to miss such an intimate gathering in the hut-like auditorium, just as Sunidhi had envisioned for this special day.
"I really love Jatra Biroti and events like this," she said. 
"It's not too big or chaotic but has just the right ambience and a fantastic crowd to perform for. I've performed here before, and the intimate, homey atmosphere fits perfectly for an evening like this."
The programme was set for 7 PM, but it kicked off 30 minutes late due to the usual challenges with sound checks in a small room, which often caused unwanted reverb. With no drums or pads, the performance was kept simple—just Sunidhi's voice, accompanied by a piano and Rayhan Islam Shuvro's acoustic guitar. The result was soothing and calming. But with a voice like hers, who needs a full band or the acoustics of a grand cathedral?
The performance began, fittingly, with a rendition of Rabindra Sangeet, "Akash Bhora Shurjo Tara," sung by Sunidhi. Those familiar with the song know its gentle, slow pace, and the moment her voice filled the room, the evening became magical. The audience fell silent, captivated, as if enchanted by the Pied Piper, drawn into her melody without hesitation, following her lead on a serene, musical journey.

The lively banter between Sunidhi Nayak and the audience was quite the scene as well. The crowd couldn't get enough of her voice, continuously requesting more, and Sunidhi obliged for as long as she could. She even sang parts of her beloved song 'Shondhatara' on the spot, without any rehearsal.

She performed songs from her debut album 'Arale' as well. 'Arale Thako' is a song with a masterful composition, something most would shy away from trying to reiterate in front of a live audience. But the slow jazz-bluesy music along with a simple yet compelling and intricate tune of Sunidhi was a sound that could take anyone on a trip. 
During the sound check, she had already teased 'Kobekar Obhiman,' offering a glimpse of the enchanting evening ahead.

Sunidhi was the focus of the event but she was not the only one singing. Rayhan Islam Shuvro, who was playing the acoustic guitar with absolute grace, performed a few of his songs as well. 
Many might or might not know Shuvro yet, but he is one of the most promising musicians in the country right now. His 'Dishehara Tui' and 'Boka Premik' added a few more layers to Sunidhi's performance while also being very unique to his performance.
The lively banter between Sunidhi Nayak and the audience was quite the scene as well. The crowd couldn't get enough of her voice, continuously requesting more, and Sunidhi obliged for as long as she could. She even sang parts of her beloved song 'Shondhatara' on the spot, without any rehearsal. 

Yet, the crowd still wanted more. Sunidhi also shared personal stories about her time in Bakura, including some unfortunate events and how much she missed her father during Durga Puja. These moments revealed just how deeply admired and cherished she is by the community.

Photo: Courtesy

"I could not be more happy about the whole event. Everything really came together and worked out just the way we thought it would," Sunidhi expressed.
As the event wrapped up and fans lined up for selfies with the artiste, we took a moment to ask Sunidhi about her current and upcoming projects. She revealed that she's working on four new songs with Shuvro, all of which will be released as singles in the near future.
"I always wanted to release my own album since I grew up listening to them," Sunidhi shared. "Now that I've accomplished that, I'll be releasing my upcoming songs as singles—it just feels more fitting for the times. I'm truly grateful to everyone who came and enjoyed the show, and I'm excited for more ambient evenings like this in the future," she concluded.