Q & A
'A creative person has to be romantic' --- Mehreen
There is no stopping singer Mehreen from spreading her wings. Primarily known as a pop singer, she is also adept at other genres of music. After a successful tour of UK over a month ago, including a show at Ediburgh Mela, she has notched up several awards in the recent past: the Bangladesh Cultural Reporters' Award for best pop album (for Mone Pore Tomae)is one of them. Now she is busy coming up with new numbers for Eid, music videos and a solo programme for Channel i. Our cultural correspondent spoke to her on a gamut of issues.Here goes: What keeps you going?
I believe in living in the present and making optimum use of it. My reasoning is that the present will take you to the future and it is the present which comes from the past. So live life happily in the present moment. What is your greatest achievement till now?
So far I think the answer would be winning the trust of my audience. In my line, you have to prove yourself. People want entertainment. As an artiste I strive to give them healthy and positive recreation. Only time will tell if I can prove myself. What makes you tick?
I go for a friendly and positive environment. Although I welcome praise, I really appreciate the constructive criticism of all my fans and friends who have shaped me as a singer. The criticism could relate to my style, looks, hair, walk or even my pronunciation. Are you a romantic or a realist?
I would say both. A creative person has to be romantic and live life imaginatively. Take the examples of the romantic era of the early 19th century. In the course of my studies in English literature, I have seen the imaginative flights of Wordsworth, Coleridge, Keats and Byron. But despite being imaginative geniuses, they were firmly rooted on the ground. To me imagination is timeless and the romanticism of the past exists now and forever. Imagination can take you anywhere. More people should read Shakespeare, Tagore and Bankim, whose works have a universal appeal. But I also am a realist in the sense that I abide by the rules of the world--educationally, socially and financially. Bridging the gap between realism and romanticism should be the keyword for human beings. What makes you happy or angry?
I feel happy if I can create good music. Alternatively, when I am not productive I get agitated. For instance, today is not such a great day as I haven't been able to practice music. My 'riaz' usually ranges from 15 minutes to two hours. What is your source of inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is my family--my parents and husband Intekhab. My husband has no background of music but appreciates all that I do. I get both positive feedback and criticism from him. He can be ruthless in his criticism--whether it is about the lyrics, tunes or the choice of songs. I appreciate his honesty. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I will soon be thirty plus. Either I will be a good housewife and a mother of two or an exponent of North Indian classical music. I want to be known as a good musician and have my own recording studio.
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