Stage of childhood dreams bloom with talent
City Desk :
Some creations do not simply endure; rather, they become part of a nation’s heartbeat, echoing through generations. “Notun Kuri” is one such legacy: not merely a television programme, but also a living archive of dreams, a melody of childhood, and a movement that shaped the cultural soul of Bangladesh.
Once upon a Friday, its name meant joy for every child and teenager across the nation. The familiar chorus: “Amra Notun, Amra Kuri”, was more than just a song; it was the anthem of discovery, the doorway to hidden talent, reports BSS.
Now, after nearly two decades of silence, Notun Kuri returns to the screen of Bangladesh Television (BTV), rekindling the excitement, the spirit, and the dream.
With its revival, a fresh breeze flows once more through the cultural landscape of Bangladesh, promising to nurture the voices and talents of a new generation.
From its inaugural year, Notun Kuri sparked widespread enthusiasm across Bangladesh. The voices of children reciting poetry, singing with perfect diction, performing captivating dramas, and dancing with heartfelt grace filled audiences with renewed hope. It was more than a competition; rather, it was the first school of artistry for young dreamers.
The stage of Notun Kuri has introduced countless distinguished artists. Many of today’s brightest stars in Bangladeshi drama, music, dance, and culture began their journeys here.
Among them are Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Rumana Rashid Ishita, Kanak Chapa, Shamima Yasmin Diba, Rahat Azim, Azad Rahman Shakil, Azmiri Sultana Holly, Sihan Monirul Hasan, Shahnaz Chowdhury Luna, Rudaba Adnin Kumkum, Meher Afroz Shaon, singer Samina Chowdhury, Hemanti Rakkhit Das, and dancer Chandni, each of whom has proven their talent in music, acting, or dance.
Many now represent Bangladesh’s cultural identity on both national and international stages.
After nearly 20 years off the air, Notun Kuri is returning with a modernized format. The country has been divided into 19 regions, each hosting regional selection rounds. Finalists from these rounds will compete in Dhaka. Participants are grouped into two age categories: Group A (6-11 years) and Group B (11-15 years), and may compete in up to three disciplines.
The competition’s scope has been expanded to include: patriotic songs, modern songs, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, folk music, Hamd-Naat, acting, recitation, storytelling, comedy, general dance, and classical dance.
Each category will be judged by panels of experienced and renowned experts. The show will be broadcast using modern technology, ensuring that audiences from every corner of the country can witness the creativity of these young talents.
Art and literature shape the soul of a nation, and Notun Kuri has long stood as one of its most vital instruments. More than a platform for nurturing talent, it instils discipline, confidence, and a deep sense of patriotism in children. Through teamwork, respect for others’ abilities, and love for their own heritage, young participants learn values that transcend performance.
Experts opined that due to the lack of such platforms in recent years, children are increasingly drawn to alternative entertainment and digital dependency. The revival of Notun Kuri is therefore not merely a return to televised entertainment; it is also a noble initiative to reintroduce the younger generation to meaningful cultural engagement.
Launched in 1976 through the dedicated efforts of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and cultural visionary Mostafa Monwar, Notun Kuri was named after a poem by Golam Mostafa titled “Kishor”. Its mission was clear: to discover gems from remote corners of the country and bring them to a national stage where they could shine in the light of their cultural heritage.
However, in 2006, the programme was abruptly discontinued. Its absence for nearly two decades left a significant void, not only in the cultural sphere but also in the emotional and creative development of children. During this time, no comparable national platform emerged for young artists, and many promising talents faded into silence.
That long wait finally ended on August 17, 2025, with the official relaunch of Notun Kuri 2025. The event was inaugurated by Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuj Alam, who remarked in his opening speech that “Beyond political divisions, this celebration of our art, literature, and culture will nurture creativity in the next generation. It marks the beginning of a new era.”