Runa Laila weaves magic in historic Shilpakala debut

Legendary singer Runa Laila. Photo: Courtesy

Legendary singer Runa Laila delivered a spellbinding performance at a special charity concert organised by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), captivating the audience while raising funds for flood victims. The proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to support those affected by recent floods.

Organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and managed by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the solo concert, titled “Shilpi Aami Tomaderi Gaan Shunabo,” took place on Friday night at the National Theatre Hall of the academy. Throughout the evening, the audience repeatedly responded with standing ovations and chants of “One more, one more,” reflecting their admiration for the iconic artiste.

Following a brief ceremony in which she received a commemorative honour, Runa Laila opened her performance with the patriotic song “Desher Jonno Jara Diyegecho Pran Bhullini Amra,” dedicating it to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country.

She then treated the audience to a rich repertoire of her timeless classics, including “Shilpi Aami Tomaderi Gaan Shunabo,” “Jokhon Thamebe Kolahal Ghume Nijhum Charidik,” “Ganeri Khatay Shorolipi Likhe,” “Jibon Premer Bhab Janena,” “Amay Gethe Daona Mago Ekta Palash Phuler Mala,” and the beloved folk song “Bondhu Tindin Tor Barit Gelam Dekha Pailam Na.”

Marking Nazrul Barsha, the celebrated singer also performed Nazrul’s song “Bhulite Parini Tai Asiyachi Path Bhule” on stage for the first time in her career. She continued with popular numbers such as “Anek Brishti Jhore Tumi Ele” and “Saadher Lau Banailo More Boiragi,” before bringing the concert to a rousing conclusion with the evergreen “Damadam Mast Qalandar.”

The performance marked a historic milestone, as it was Runa Laila’s first-ever solo concert at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy despite her illustrious 62-year musical career and the academy’s 54-year history. Any doubts about whether the legendary singer could still command the stage with the same brilliance were quickly dispelled. Her voice retained its remarkable depth, clarity and emotional power, demonstrating why she remains one of the subcontinent’s most celebrated musical icons.

The concert attracted music lovers of all ages, many of whom experienced Runa Laila’s live performance for the first time. The National Theatre Hall remained packed throughout the evening, while the atmosphere around the academy resonated with the melodies of her unforgettable songs.

Earlier, a brief discussion session was held before the concert. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury attended as the chief guest, while State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam was present as the special guest. The event was chaired by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General Rezauddin Stalin, and the distinguished guests presented Runa Laila with a commemorative award in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to music.

Beyond its artistic significance, the concert carried a humanitarian message. Every ticket purchased contributed to relief efforts for flood victims, allowing music lovers to support a worthy cause while witnessing an unforgettable performance by one of Bangladesh’s greatest musical legends.