Richard Kishore, one of Bangladesh’s most versatile guitarists, was born in Dhaka into a Christian family. His father, Leo Serrao, was a celebrated footballer in the Dhaka Premier Division League, while his mother, Martina Serrao, worked at Sonali Bank. Richard’s musical journey began as a junior choir member at Ramna Cathedral. He received his first guitar lessons from Rev. James Bynas of Notre Dame College, who also trained him in reading and writing western musical notation—an uncommon skill among Bangladeshi musicians. Later, under the mentorship of renowned composer Samar Das at Bangladesh Television (BTV), Richard honed his craft and emerged as a gifted guitarist and music director. He pursued formal training in Indian classical music and Nazrul Geeti at Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA) and Altaf Mahmud Sangeet Niketon. Over the years, Richard has directed music for national events such as Independence Day and Victory Day, and he is now recognized as a “special grade” guitarist and “A” grade music director at BTV. Beyond Bangladesh, Richard has performed in nearly forty countries, representing the nation’s cultural heritage and collaborating with leading vocalists. He has also directed music for several solo albums, cementing his reputation as a distinguished figure in the country’s music scene.

Mohua Manjari Sunanda, born in Panchbibi, Joypurhat, began her musical journey in childhood under the guidance of her parents. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Rabindra Sangeet from Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, through the ICCR Scholarship from the Government of India, and later completed her Master’s degree at Chhayanaut. Prior to that, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in History and received six years of training in Nazrul Sangeet at Chhayanaut Sangeet Vidyayatan. She has trained under eminent mentors including Wahidul Haque, Sanjida Khatun, Mita Haque, Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Partha Sarathi Shikdar, Bulbul Islam, Khairul Anam Shakil, Kalpana Anam, Nasima Shaheen Fancy, Sharmin Sathi Islam, and Asim Dutta. During her studies in Santiniketan, she also received intensive training from Swastika Mukhopadhyay, Amartya Mukhopadhyay, Manini Mukhopadhyay, Arpita Dutta, and Prashanta Kumar Ghosh. In 2018, Mohua won first place in the All-India Rabindra Sangeet Competition organized by Ananya Music, West Bengal, leading to the release of her solo album from West Bengal. Currently, she serves as a part-time faculty member in the Rabindra Sangeet Department at Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology. She is also actively involved in teaching and training at Chhayanaut Sangeet Vidyayatan, Ananda Academy for Performing Arts, ActionAid Bangladesh’s “Happy Home” project, and the National Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad. Through her artistry, Mohua continues to deepen human and cultural connections with Rabindra Sangeet.

Mohua Manjari Sunanda, born in Panchbibi, Joypurhat, began her musical journey in childhood under the guidance of her parents. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Rabindra Sangeet from Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, through the ICCR Scholarship from the Government of India, and later completed her Master’s degree at Chhayanaut. Prior to that, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in History and received six years of training in Nazrul Sangeet at Chhayanaut Sangeet Vidyayatan. She has trained under eminent mentors including Wahidul Haque, Sanjida Khatun, Mita Haque, Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Partha Sarathi Shikdar, Bulbul Islam, Khairul Anam Shakil, Kalpana Anam, Nasima Shaheen Fancy, Sharmin Sathi Islam, and Asim Dutta. During her studies in Santiniketan, she also received intensive training from Swastika Mukhopadhyay, Amartya Mukhopadhyay, Manini Mukhopadhyay, Arpita Dutta, and Prashanta Kumar Ghosh. In 2018, Mohua won first place in the All-India Rabindra Sangeet Competition organized by Ananya Music, West Bengal, leading to the release of her solo album from West Bengal. Currently, she serves as a part-time faculty member in the Rabindra Sangeet Department at Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology. She is also actively involved in teaching and training at Chhayanaut Sangeet Vidyayatan, Ananda Academy for Performing Arts, ActionAid Bangladesh’s “Happy Home” project, and the National Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad. Through her artistry, Mohua continues to deepen human and cultural connections with Rabindra Sangeet.

Shahid Kabir Polash, born in Jamalpur, is a foremost exponent of Nazrul Sangeet and classical music in Bangladesh. Beginning his musical journey at the age of six, he twice won the National Children’s and Juvenile Competition, setting the stage for a distinguished career. Alongside earning Honours and Master’s degrees in Physics from Jagannath University, he pursued extensive training in Nazrul Sangeet at BAFA, Nazrul Institute, and Shanto-Mariam University, under the guidance of legendary mentors Sohrab Hossain and Sudhin Das. Polash has performed widely on Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, private channels, and internationally in India, including at Nazrul Mela in Churulia. He has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Bengal Foundation’s Greatest Artist title (2005) and the City Cell-Channel-I Music Award (2010). Currently, he teaches at Banani Bidyaniketan School and College, BAFA, Nazrul Institute, and Ananda Academy, while serving as a special grade artist with BTV and Betar.

Razwoanul Haque is a versatile vocalist specializing in North Indian classical music, including Khayal, Thumri, and Ghazal, while also performing Nazrul Sangeet, Rabindra Sangeet, folk, modern Bengali, and Hindi songs. He holds a Master’s degree in Vocal Music from Rabindra Bharati University and has earned numerous honors, including the ATN Star of the Stars Award, Bhashani Smrity Award, and Star Media Boishakhi Award. Since 2016, he has been teaching at Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, while also serving as Head of Music at ATN Music & Media Institute. His career includes roles as Assistant Professor at Government Sangeet College and Lecturer at Dhaka Women’s College, alongside extensive freelance vocal coaching and workshops. Through his teaching and performances, Razwoanul continues to inspire audiences and students, blending tradition with modern expression in South Asian music.

Monira Parveen is a renowned Kathak dancer, choreographer, and former Chairperson and Assistant Professor of the Department of Dance at the University of Dhaka. An ICCR scholar, she completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Dance from Rabindra Bharati University, earning multiple Gold Medals, including one for securing the highest GPA in her M.A. She has performed widely at prestigious festivals and cultural programs in Bangladesh, India, and abroad, organized by institutions such as Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, ICCR, and the Governments of Bangladesh and West Bengal. Monira has also been featured on numerous television channels. Alongside performance, she is deeply engaged in research, having published several articles and presented at national and international seminars. Currently, she continues her artistic journey through new Kathak productions and academic work, contributing to the preservation and innovation of classical dance.

Mahmuda Akhter is a distinguished recitation artist, actress, and cultural practitioner from Dhaka. She holds Honours and Master’s degrees in Practical Fine Arts from the Home Economics College, University of Dhaka, along with B.Ed. and M.Ed. degrees from Dhaka University. Since 1993, she has been actively involved with Mukto Dhara Cultural Practice Center at Dhaka University. She is a listed artist of Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, recognized as a Category A reciter, special grade actress, announcer, newsreader, scriptwriter, playwright, and drama producer. Mahmuda has also contributed as a recitation trainer at institutions including VNSC Shilpangan, Surer Dhara, BRAC, Doel Bachik Vidyayatan, and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Beyond performance, she writes occasionally for the fortnightly Anandabhuban, continuing her dedication to literature and the performing arts.

Pingcu Tripura is a traditional and digital artist whose work blends colors and lines to express feelings, memories, and the realities of life. Through silence and intensity, each piece tells a story that resonates deeply with audiences. His artwork has been showcased in numerous national and international exhibitions, earning several prestigious awards and widespread appreciation. Pingcu’s vision is to inspire peace, self-identity, and connection through art—making his practice not just about creation, but about sharing eternal expressions of human experience.

Abraar Ahmed Tariq is a professional classical violinist with over eighteen years of performance experience. Encouraged by his father, Dr. Tariq Uddin Ahmed, and inspired by his mother, Nazrul Sangeet singer Naseema Tariq, Abraar began violin training under Faruk Wahid and later Guru Ranjan Ghosh, inheriting the rich tradition of the Seni Maihar Gharana. He has performed widely across Bangladesh at venues such as Chhayanaut, Shilpakala Academy, and BRAC Centre, as well as on national television. In 2011, he was invited to Kolkata to honor Guru Rabin Ghosh, and in 2015 he released his classical album Raganjali. Since 2020, Abraar has dedicated himself to teaching, guiding students with care and passion. In 2025, he joined Ananda Academy as a professional violin instructor, where he now teaches both Subcontinent Classical and Western music theory, continuing his mission to nurture versatile violinists.

Safaiyetul Islam is a passionate and versatile musician with extensive experience in orchestra, band, and theater performances. Skilled in piano, keyboard, and guitar, he is adept at composing, arranging, and digital recording. His career spans live performances across diverse venues, accompaniment for ballet and musical theatre, and collaborations on professional studio projects. Since 2009, he has been teaching music at leading institutions including Glenrich International School and Greenherald & Grace International School in Dhaka, where he has guided students from grades 4–12 in instrumental performance, choir workshops, and ABRSM exam preparation. He also serves as a representative for both the London College of Music Examinations and ABRSM, managing exam administration and promoting high standards in music education. Dedicated to inspiring the next generation, he combines technical mastery with creativity, ensuring students develop both skill and appreciation for music.

Kazi Md. Imtiaz Sultan is a professional Tabla player with over 30 years of experience in accompaniment and performance. He has built a distinguished career performing with renowned artists both in Bangladesh and abroad, showcasing his mastery of rhythm and classical tradition. Currently, he is a listed special grade artist with Bangladesh Betar and Channel I, while also performing across various media platforms and social media. His dedication to Tabla has made him a respected figure in the Bangladeshi music community, continuing to inspire audiences through live concerts and cultural programs.He has performed widely across Bangladesh at venues such as Chhayanaut, Shilpakala Academy, and BRAC Centre, as well as on national television. In 2011, he was invited to Kolkata to honor Guru Rabin Ghosh, and in 2015 he released his classical album Raganjali. Since 2020, Abraar has dedicated himself to teaching, guiding students with care and passion. In 2025, he joined Ananda Academy as a professional violin instructor, where he now teaches both Subcontinent Classical and Western music theory, continuing his mission to nurture versatile violinists.

Sabuj Ahmed is a distinguished musician from a renowned musical family. His father, Ustad Shamsul Haque, was a versatile instrumentalist and music director, skilled in flute, clarinet, shehnai, violin, and many other instruments. All four of his children have pursued music professionally, achieving recognition both in Bangladesh and abroad. Sabuj began his training under his father and later studied with Pandit Gopal Mishra and Pandit Biplab Bhattacharya. He is currently under the guidance of Pandit Sanjay Mukherjee. Sabuj has mastered classical music, instrumental music, dance accompaniment, light music, and solo performances. He has participated in major cultural platforms such as the Bengal Festival, Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and numerous audio recordings, collaborating with nearly all leading artists of the country. Professionally, he serves as a Tabla player and instrumentalist at Bangladesh Betar (Agargaon, Dhaka) and Chhayanaut Sangeet Vidyayatan, continuing his contribution to the rich tradition of Bangladeshi music.