Khalamoni and her ‘Esho Gaan Shikhi’

For over the last 50 years, anyone who spent their childhood watching BTV holds the memory of 'Esho Gaan Shikhi' deeply in their hearts, a cherished part of growing up in Bangladesh. The show first aired under the name 'Sangeet Shikhar Ashor' on December 27, 1966, the same year Bangladesh Television (BTV) began its journey.

The brainchild of Ferdausi Rahman, an ushering figure in Bangladeshi music, the program was later renamed 'Esho Gaan Shikhi' to cope with a more childlike rhythm and appeal. It is and was both educational and entertaining, curating love for music among young viewers.

Ferdausi Rahman's inspiration for 'Esho Gaan Shikhi' was rooted in her experiences abroad. During her time at the Trinity College of Music in London in 1963 and again in 1966, she frequently watched children's programs on local television.

Later, in 1975, while visiting Australia at the invitation of the Australian Government, she continued to observe similar programs. What struck her about these shows was their ability to blend education with entertainment seamlessly.

They featured funny, interesting characters—often puppets and muppets—that children perceived as natural and human. This imaginative approach not only captured the children's attention but also subtly imparted valuable lessons, making learning a fun experience.

This observation sparked an idea in her mind—to introduce puppets into her show. However, the challenge was to find these puppets. Very surprisingly, she met Mrs Sylvia Murtaza, a British puppeteer living in Bangladesh, who agreed to create two puppet characters for the show. Thus, Mithu the rabbit and Monty the frog were born. These characters, voiced by Rahman's eldest son Rubaiyat and famous Bangladeshi actor Shekhar, became instant hits. Mithu and Monty's cute and delightful personalities captured the imagination of both children and adults, making them beloved figures on BTV.

'Esho Gaan Shikhi' was more than just a television program; it was a reflection of Khalamoni's deep bond to children's education and her passion for music.

She often spoke about how the show held a special place in her heart. As the only daughter of the legendary Abbasuddin Ahmed, she was born into a musical family.

Her father's influence and her own early experiences as a child artist shaped her dedication to nurturing young talent. Despite facing challenges as a young performer, Khalamon's love for music never wavered, and she channelled this passion into creating 'Esho Gaan Shikhi' as a platform for the next generation.

The show also became a gathering place for other renowned artists. The likes of Firoza Begum, Khan Ataur Rahman, and Azad Rahman made appearances on the show, sharing their expertise and contributing to its rich musical content.

As 'Esho Gaan Shikhi' transformed over time, her role within it grew even more profound. She recalled how the younger children began addressing her as 'Aunty,' a term she didn't quite favour.

Instead, she suggested they call her 'Khalamoni,' a title that stuck and became synonymous with her persona on the show. This shows just how deeply she wants to connect with the kids emotionally.

The signature tune of 'Esho Gaan Shikhi,' a song composed by Azad Rahman and taught by Ferdausi Rahman, became an anthem for the program. People of all ages, much like with other classic shows, can instantly recognize the tune when they hear it on TV.

Throughout her career, Ferdausi Rahman has received numerous accolades, including the Lahore Cine Journalist Awards in 1963 and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. Yet, among her many achievements, 'Esho Gaan Shikhi' remains a crowning jewel, a tribute to music and her love for nurturing young minds.

The show's popularity, even decades after its inception, is a prophecy of Rahman's vision and her ability to create something that transcended mere entertainment.

Through "Esho Gaan Shikhi," Ferdausi Rahman has left an unexpungeable mark on the culture of Bangladesh, inspiring countless children to cuddle the joy of music.

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