BTV to Revive ‘Notun Kuri’ with Iconic Theme: ‘We Are New, We Are Buds

After nearly two decades of hiatus, the beloved children’s talent show *Notun Kuri* is making a comeback on Bangladesh Television (BTV). The announcement was made on BTV’s official social media page last Tuesday night, sparking waves of nostalgia among fans. Many have taken to social media to share memories of participating in the show or watching it during their childhood, with some even posting nostalgic photos.

First aired in 1966 on Pakistan Television, *Notun Kuri* drew its name from the poem *Kishor* by poet Golam Mostafa, with the first 15 lines of the poem used as the show’s theme song. Following Bangladesh’s independence, the show was relaunched in 1976 under the production of Mustafa Monowar, becoming one of BTV’s most celebrated programs. It provided a platform for young talents from across the country to showcase their skills in singing, dancing, acting, recitation, storytelling, and comedy. The show continued until 2005, after which it was discontinued for various reasons. In 2020, there were plans to revive it, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted those efforts.

Over its three-decade run, *Notun Kuri* launched the careers of many stars who went on to make their mark in film, television, theater, and music. Notable names include Tarana Halim, Rumana Rashid Ishita, Tarin Jahan, Meher Afroz Shaon, Nusrat Imroz Tisha, and popular singer Samina Chowdhury, among others. The 1982 winners, Shihan Monirul Islam and Shahnaz Chowdhury Luna, are also fondly remembered.

According to BTV’s Public Relations Department, applications for the new season of *Notun Kuri* will be accepted from August 15 to September 5. The country has been divided into 19 regions for preliminary auditions, including Dhaka-1 (Dhaka, Gazipur, Manikganj), Dhaka-2 (Munshiganj, Narayanganj, Narsingdi), Dhaka-3 (Faridpur, Rajbari, Gopalganj, Madaripur, Shariatpur), Mymensingh-1 (Mymensingh, Sherpur, Netrokona), Mymensingh-2 (Tangail, Kishoreganj, Jamalpur), Sylhet (Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Sunamganj), Rangpur-1 (Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Gaibandha), Rangpur-2 (Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh), Rajshahi-1 (Rajshahi, Natore, Chapainawabganj, Pabna), Rajshahi-2 (Bogura, Joypurhat, Naogaon, Sirajganj), Khulna-1 (Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira), Khulna-2 (Jashore, Jhenaidah, Magura, Narail), Khulna-3 (Kushtia, Meherpur, Chuadanga), Barishal-1 (Barishal, Jhalokathi, Pirojpur), Barishal-2 (Patuakhali, Barguna, Bhola), Chattogram-1 (Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar), Chattogram-2 (Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachhari), Chattogram-3 (Cumilla, Chandpur, Brahmanbaria), and Chattogram-4 (Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni). Preliminary auditions will be held at the Shilpakala Academy buildings in each region.

The competition will feature nine categories: acting, recitation, storytelling or comedy, classical or general dance, patriotic or modern songs, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, folk songs, and Hamd-Naat. Participants will be divided into two age groups: Category A (6–11 years) and Category B (11–15 years). After regional auditions, the final selection and grand finale will take place in Dhaka from November 2 to 6.