Veteran Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila, one of the most celebrated voices in South Asian music, is set to be honoured at the upcoming 15th Delhi International Film Festival in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the arts. She will be conferred the prestigious “Minar-e-Delhi” award during the event, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from 4 to 8 May.
Organised under the auspices of an institution affiliated with India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the festival has, over the years, evolved into a significant cultural platform for South Asia. It brings together filmmakers, musicians, actors, and cultural figures from across the region, fostering artistic exchange and collaboration. This year’s edition is expected to be particularly vibrant, with participation from prominent personalities representing diverse creative disciplines.
Runa Laila expressed deep gratitude upon receiving the invitation for the honour. She described it as a moment of pride and emotional significance, noting that such recognition adds meaning to her long and eventful musical journey. The acclaimed singer also highlighted that being part of an international cultural gathering of this stature is, in itself, a rewarding experience that reflects the enduring reach of music across borders.
In an official letter, festival founder and president Ram Kishore Parcha praised Runa Laila’s decades-long career, emphasising her immense popularity across both Bangladesh and India. He noted that her distinctive voice has resonated with millions of listeners over generations, helping to strengthen cultural ties between the two neighbouring countries. According to him, the honour symbolises not only individual artistic excellence but also the spirit of cultural harmony in the region.
The festival will be hosted across two major cultural venues in New Delhi. This year’s thematic focus includes women’s empowerment, socially relevant cinema, and films made for younger audiences. Special initiatives have also been introduced to encourage greater participation from women filmmakers, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity within the creative industry.
A number of well-known figures from the South Asian entertainment industry are expected to attend, adding further prominence to the event. Among the notable guests are Sharmila Tagore, Rituparna Sengupta, Revathi, Shweta Menon, Usha Uthup, Rajpal Yadav, and Raghubir Yadav, alongside several other distinguished artists.
The organisers believe that this year’s festival will not only celebrate cinematic excellence but also reinforce the cultural bridge between nations through shared artistic expression.
Key details of the festival
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Delhi International Film Festival |
| Edition | 15th |
| Dates | 4–8 May |
| Location | New Delhi, India |
| Special Honour | Minar-e-Delhi Award |
| Honouree | Runa Laila |
| Main Themes | Women’s empowerment, social cinema, children’s films |
| Notable Guests | Sharmila Tagore, Rituparna Sengupta, Revathi, Usha Uthup, and others |
The honour for Runa Laila is widely seen as a recognition of her lifelong dedication to music and her lasting influence across South Asian cultural landscapes. It also underscores the festival’s broader aim of celebrating artistic excellence while strengthening regional cultural dialogue.