Notun Kuri (Bengali: নতুন কুঁড়ি, meaning “New Bud”) was a pioneering Bangladeshi television program focused on showcasing young talent. It was created by Mustafa Monwar and first aired in 1966 on Pakistan Television, where it was broadcast live on a small scale. In its early years, the show was more of a cultural program for children rather than a structured talent competition.
Following the independence of Bangladesh, the show was revived in 1976 on Bangladesh Television (BTV). Under Monwar’s direction, it evolved into a nationwide talent competition for children and adolescents and continued to run successfully until 2005.
The title Notun Kuri was inspired by the poem Kishore (“Adolescent”) written by Golam Mostofa. The first fifteen lines of the poem were adapted as the program’s opening theme song.
Over the years, the show nurtured many young performers who later became prominent figures in Bangladesh’s cultural scene. Notable alumni include Tarana Halim, Rumana Rashid Ishita, Tarin Ahmed, Meher Afroz Shaon, Firoz Mahmud, Sabrin Saka Meem, and Nusrat Imrose Tisha.
Other recognized participants include:
- Tamalika Karmakar (dance)
- Mehbooba Mahnoor Chandni (dance)
- Samina Chowdhury (singing, 1977)
- Azad Rahman Shakil (acting)
- Tareen Jahan (acting, dancing, storytelling)
- Rumana Rashid Ishita (multiple categories: dance, song, art, acting)
- Nusrat Imrose Tisha (acting)
- Sabrin Saka Meem (acting)
Notun Kuri (Bengali: নতুন কুঁড়ি) was much more than just a TV show—it became a cultural movement in Bangladesh that helped discover and nurture young talent across the country. Here are some additional insights:
🎭 Key Features
- The program included multiple categories such as singing, dance, acting, storytelling, and art (চিত্রাঙ্কন).
- It wasn’t only about competition; it aimed to connect children with cultural values, language, and traditions (সংস্কৃতি).
- Mustafa Monwar designed the show to include children from both urban and rural areas.
📺 Selection Process
- Auditions were held nationwide, where thousands of children participated.
- Selected contestants got the opportunity to perform on national television.
- Judges were usually experienced figures from the arts and cultural fields.
🌱 Impact & Legacy
- The show played a major role in shaping future stars like Nusrat Imrose Tisha and Meher Afroz Shaon.
- It worked almost like a training ground for young performers entering the professional world.
- During the 1970s–90s, it was one of the most popular children’s programs on Bangladesh Television (BTV).
🎶 Cultural Significance
- The theme song, based on a poem by Golam Mostofa, is still remembered fondly by many.
- The show helped preserve and promote traditional Bangladeshi art forms like folk songs (লোকসংগীত), dance, and drama among younger generations.