A night to remember

Beneath a sky drifting between soft clouds and fleeting sunshine, the evening unfolded into a warm melody as the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy witnessed a moment that will be cherished for years to come.

For the first time in her extraordinary 62-year career, the country’s living legend, Runa Laila, performed at the academy yesterday, marking a historic milestone for both the iconic artiste and the institution.

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For the audience, it was more than a concert; it was a rare opportunity to experience one of South Asia’s greatest musical voices live. Runa Laila performed some of the songs that have become synonymous with her illustrious career, leaving the audience wrapped in nostalgia and admiration.

Moreover, the entire proceeds from ticket sales are to be donated to the prime minister’s relief fund to support people affected by the recent floods.

The tribute segment began with a video message from renowned musician Bappa Mazumder, followed by greetings from veteran musician Foad Nasser Babu and instrumentalist Sadek Ali.

Veteran actor Alamgir, also Runa Laila’s husband, described her as “one of the finest artistes and a great human being”.

The programme opened with a welcome address by Shilpakala Director General Rezauddin Stalin.

“We are grateful for this moment, which has come after 62 years. Tonight, we celebrate a truly unique occasion, made even more special by its humanitarian cause. All proceeds from tonight’s concert will be donated to support flood victims, and we extend our deepest sympathies to everyone affected,” he said.

In his address as chief guest, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said, “We are committed to fostering national consciousness and elevating Bangladesh’s culture on both the national and global stage.”

“We aim to promote life-affirming cultural practices while discouraging superstition; revive Bangladesh’s rich folk traditions and showcase our cultural heritage to the world. We will also celebrate the diverse traditions of our ethnic communities, fostering unity in diversity.”

The event was presided over by Kaniz Mowla, secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

The formal tribute followed, with Kaniz Mowla presenting Runa Laila with a bouquet, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam handing over the commemorative frame, and Nitai Roy Chowdhury presenting the crest.

The concert began with an address by acclaimed actor Afzal Hossain, who welcomed the audience before inviting Runa Laila to the stage.

Asked how she felt about being honoured by Shilpakala after more than six decades, she replied with her trademark wit: “At last -- and at least -- they called me!”

She opened with “Desher Jonno Jara Diye Gechho Pran”, before moving on to “Shilpi Ami Tomaderi Gaan Shonabo”.

She continued with “Jokhon Thambe Kolahol”, “Ganeri Khatay Swaralipi Likhe”, “Je Jon Premer Bhab Janena”, “Amay Gethe Dao Na Mago Ekta Polash Phuler Mala”, and “Bondhu Tin Din Tor Barite Gelam”. During the performance, she invited Shilpakala Secretary Mohammad Zakir Hossain to join her on stage for a light-hearted duet.

As the evening drew to a close, Runa Laila said the minister had promised to arrange another concert where she would perform these songs again.

Afzal Hossain returned to the stage to recite a poem before the evening concluded with Runa Laila delivering one unforgettable song after another, bringing the memorable celebration to a close.