Runa Laila: A Timeless Voice of South Asia

In the realm of Bangladeshi music, certain names evoke not just admiration, but a profound sense of pride, emotion, and cultural heritage. Among these, legendary singer Runa Laila stands unparalleled. Her extraordinary musical journey, distinctive approach to practice, international acclaim, and charismatic persona have elevated her beyond the status of a mere artist, making her a luminous chapter in the subcontinent’s cultural history.

Recently, in a televised programme, Runa Laila’s husband, renowned film actor Alamgir, shared fascinating insights into her life and musical discipline via a video message. “Bangladesh can proudly say that we have a Runa Laila of our own,” he remarked. Alamgir emphasised that an artist’s greatest achievement lies in earning the love and respect of the public. He recalled a striking testament to her widespread popularity from many years ago: an Indian newspaper reportedly stated, “Give us Runa, and we will give you the waters of Farakka.” In Alamgir’s words, such recognition is not merely about fame, but an affirmation of Runa Laila’s extraordinary acceptance and influence as an artist.

The programme also highlighted her unconventional practice methods. Alamgir revealed that he had never seen her follow the traditional rigours of practising with a tanpura or tuning with modern instruments for long periods. Instead, she honed her voice while walking, doing household chores, folding clothes, or even in the bathroom. Reflecting on this approach, Runa Laila once said with a smile, “I need to place my voice correctly. These are my tanpuras. I have learned from so many masters that now the notes live in my ear.”

Amidst these reflections, Runa Laila shared a lighthearted anecdote about Alamgir’s meticulous attention to his hair, even during serious discussions or while waiting in a lift—adding a touch of humour to their life together.

Her Guinness World Record achievement was also celebrated. In the 1990s, she set the record by recording 30 songs in three consecutive days—ten songs each day—between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., showcasing both her professionalism and vocal stamina.

Born on 17 November 1952 in Sylhet, Runa Laila spent her childhood and adolescence in then-Pakistan, moving with her family from Rajshahi to Lahore due to her father Syed Mohammad Emdad Ali’s government postings. There, she trained under eminent maestros including Ustad Habibuddin Khan, Abdul Kader Piarang, and Pandit Ghulam Qadir. She began her playback singing career in 1965 with the film Jugnu and went on to record nearly 1,000 songs in over 20 languages, including Bengali, Urdu, and Hindi. Returning to newly independent Bangladesh in 1974, she reconnected with her roots and identity, cementing her status as a musical icon across the subcontinent.

Key Facts About Runa Laila

Runa Laila’s voice, discipline, and personality encapsulate decades of cultural heritage, inspiring generations to come and securing her place as a timeless icon in the musical history of Bangladesh and the subcontinent.