An icon that transcends music
Growing up, I would listen to Runa Laila on loop on BTV, from "Bondhu Tin Din" to "Istishaner Railgarita". I even tried to mimic her iconic "Dama Dam Mast Qalandar", fully convinced that if I practiced enough, I might somehow sound like her. So, you can imagine my excitement when I came across a vinyl copy of her "Superuna" album on Record Store Day last year. I wanted it badly, but I didn't have the money at the time. Instead, I spent the day listening to the tracks from "Superuna" that were available on YouTube.
Runa Laila has always been more than a legendary voice. She is an icon of beauty, style and charisma, someone whose influence has never faded. She still holds a special place in the hearts of young listeners. She is also one of the rare artistes who connects Bangladesh, India and Pakistan through her music, and reminds us why art crosses borders.
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Fittingly enough, on the occasion of her birthday today, a rendition of her timeless "Dama Dam Mast Qalandar" was released by Coke Studio Bangla. Envisioned and produced by Shayan Chowdhury Arnob and Adit Rahman, this version beautifully fuses the timeless spirit of Qawwali with the unique textures of Bangladesh's musical heritage.
Whenever you listen to her rendition of the 13th-century Sufi poem, her voice becomes hypnotic and lifts you in a way that feels almost spiritual. Before you even realise it, you find yourself moving with the rhythm.
Runa Laila's influence has inspired not only music lovers, but also artistes and designers. Renowned designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee is a diehard fan and has dedicated a plaque in his Mumbai store to his mother and to the legendary singer. The plaque reads, "Across the border, in Bangladesh, another woman I admire wore a similar black and gold with her own chandbalis, cropped hair and sleeveless blouse. The legendary songstress Runa Laila. I was an obsessive fan. Back then, my very strict father allowed me exactly 10 minutes of Doordarshan, just enough time to watch Runa Laila sing 'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar'." In 2023, Six Yards Story also launched a special Eid jewellery collection inspired by her iconic songs, including "Shilpi", "O Mera Babu Chail Chabila", and "Bondhu Tin Din", amongst others.
Her film "Shilpi", directed by Chashi Nazrul Islam, has aged surprisingly well. The film is loosely based on her life, blending real events with fictional elements, and her on-screen chemistry with her husband Alamgir felt so natural that it is hard to take your eyes off. I was mesmerised by her style, from graceful sarees to chic western outfits, which made her look effortlessly timeless.
Runa Laila has also shared her wisdom as a judge on many musical reality shows, including "Sur Kshetra" and "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa". She also made a special cameo in the Star Jalsha drama "Ke Apon Ke Por" in 2019. Back then, while flipping through channels, I stumbled upon a promo where the distressed protagonist Joba meets Runa Laila on the street. It was such a delightful surprise and a perfect way to celebrate her 67th birthday at the time.
A picture of Runa Laila with Bappi Lahiri in a recording studio, deep in conversation, is used in her biographies to this day. In the 1970s, a vibrant decade for fashion in the newly independent Bangladesh, Runa Laila stood out as one of the main style icons. Her choices, from bell-bottom pants to long unkempt hair and loop earrings, brought global trends into the local fashion scene and inspired a whole generation.
Her influence goes beyond music and fashion. She is now the central figure in a new novel, "Mayar Singhasan", by the acclaimed fiction writer Abdullah Al Muktadir. The book explores her rise in Bangladesh's musical landscape, her artistic journey, personal struggles, and lasting cultural impact. The novel was released today, on her birthday, by Chandrabindu Prokashan. In a heartfelt video message, Runa Laila herself invited readers, saying, "This novel is written about me. I hope you will like it. Do read it."
As an unparalleled icon of music celebrates another year, she stuns with how gracefully she ages, carrying her charm and confidence effortlessly. Her journey inspires millions to be stronger, bolder and ultimately a better version of themselves.
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