Jul 07 - Its The Final Countdown!

Now its just two days away. The 30th edition of Banga Sammelan begins at Atlantic City this Friday, July 9, 2010. In this episode, Anindita Chattopadhyay puts the spotlight on few of our prabasi talents Sunrita Mitra, Debangana Sarkar and Indrani Kar. There will be a novel exhibition "Banglar Mukh" on Friday and a ramp show "Rupey Rupantare" on Saturday. Chairperson Dhriti Bagchi provides details about the two events. Then get some final tips from host Piya as we get ready to meet and greet you in NABC2010. Follow the daily video highlights here and on our companion video website.

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Jul 04 - Aneek Dhar invites you to join him in NABC2010

Toronto in 2008 had welcomed the champion Aneek Dhar with thunderous applause. Now coming back to Atlantic City for his second Banga Sammelan, the former SaReGaMa winner Aneek is aware that the expectations have multiplied and he is ready for it. More bengali songs and promising to keep almost everyone's request, as he tells us in this episode. Listen to this candid conversation where Aneek lets us catch up with his career and recent projects.

Jul 02 - Opening Ceremony by Sapphire Creations

The opening ceremony of each NABC promises to be an epitome of creativity and this year's edition at Atlantic City is presented by Sapphire Creations Dance Workshop, led by Sudarshan Chakravorty. Their style is unique, blending contemporary forms with traditional, as Sudarshan explains to us. The journey for this group for the past 18 years has not been easy, especially being based in Kolkata, but with several stellar performances and recognition under their belts, in India and abroad, this group may have taken off. We welcome their maiden appearance in Banga Sammelan and look forward to an enchanting evening on July 9, 2010.

Jun 30 - Anwesha all set for her second NABC

Last year Anwesha made her debut abroad at the San Jose Banga Sammelan. She will be back this year at Atlantic City to mesmerize the East Coast audience with her melodious voice and charming demeanor. A bit less nervous and trying to enjoy more, as she tells us in this episode. The cheering midnight crowd, sharing the stage with stalwarts - they all form part of the best moments. Listen to Anwesha speak about her current projects and hear her sing one of her recent favorites.

Jun 24 - Manomay Bhattacharya ponders on NABC

Manomay Bhattacharya is no stranger to Banga Sammelan - the Atlantic City edition next month will be his third Sammelan. Yet, each trip is very exciting for him and he is "literally counting days". Manomay feels events like this offer him the opportunity to present both his songs as well as pay tribute to the yesteryear heroes. He goes on to ponder on the type of programs he would like to see in NABC.

Jun 17 - Indrani Sen - A special bond with the prabasis

Indrani Sen has been coming to the US for over a decade and a half and as she acknowledges, she feels a special bond with the prabasi Bengalis. This is, however, Indrani's second Banga Sammelan and she has very high expectations from this years edition, especially since it is hosted by Kallol of New Jersey. Enjoy a conversation with this legendary singer, who is equally at ease across all genres.

Jun 10 - With the NABC2010 Drama Team

For the 2010 edition of Banga Sammelan at Atlantic City, New Jersey, the hosts Kallol took a novel decision of offering the prime time drama slot to their members instead of the usual practice of inviting theater troupes from overseas. The play "Ekti Gnaye Thaki", written and directed by Sudipta Bhawmik, portrays the unique story of bengali immigrants living in North America and a heart-warming sibling relationship. In this episode, listen to snippets from a rehearsal session as Sudipta and the cast share their feelings about the play.

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Jun 3 - With the NABC2010 Organizers

With about a month left for NABC2010, we hit the road to travel to New Jersey to get an update from the organizers. We caught up with NABC2010 Joint Chairpersons Sudhir Nag and Timir Hore, and Kallol's President Soumen Roy during their now-ritualistic Saturday morning meeting. Their updates range from registration to Atlantic City as a venue to the transportation arrangements. Soumen Roy assures that snacks stalls would always remain open and that the menu overall would cater to a variety of tastes. We discuss about the Business forum and seek answers to questions posed by our listeners. Finally, the organizers talk about the legacy of NABC2010.

May 9 - Sahaj Ma and Utpal Fakir

In this episode we introduce you to Sahaj Ma and Utpal Fakir - a couple who has taken Bengal's folk tradition to newer heights. They have given it a fresh sound while respecting the traditions. This will be their maiden Banga Sammelan and the couple promise to captivate us with their simple yet potent mix of Baul and other folk songs. Bickram Ghosh points out in this episode that the incredibly talented Sahaj Ma mixes with ease the freedom of Baul with an urban sophistication. Enjoy a conversation with the stars and listen to the stories of how their songs evolved.

Apr 15 - Poila Boisakh and Bickram Ghosh