Mila Islam’s songs like ‘Jatra’, ‘Baburam Sapuṛe’, and ‘Rupbane Nache Komor Dulaiya’ are unforgettable anthems of the 2000s, songs that became viral long before the term was widely used. After a period of silence, this iconic singer has emerged once again, reigniting her career with newfound energy. Now, Mila’s focus is solely on her music, as she continues to make her mark on the stage.
“I don’t like the word ‘comeback’,” she laughed. “Please don’t make me feel old by saying that!” Mila wants to see herself as young and vibrant. But, as much as she wishes to avoid the topic, it’s difficult to ignore. After all, the journey through these two decades hasn’t always been filled with light. Personal struggles and challenges led to a temporary disappearance from the music scene, with new songs not being released and fewer live performances. Instead, her name often appeared in the media headlines due to her marriage, family life, separation, and various court cases. However, that difficult chapter is now behind her, and she is eager to forget the past. Today, her only focus is her music, and she is back in the spotlight purely for her craft.
One listener commented on her YouTube channel: “Ah, I used to hear this on FM radio so much, but I didn’t know this artist was Mila. Thank you, Mila, for brightening our childhood.” The music video for ‘Rupbane Nache Komor Dulaiya’ has amassed over three million views on YouTube, and ‘Baburam Sapuṛe’ has nearly two million. Another comment reads: “Mila has a spontaneous, lively energy that even famous pop artists would envy. I enjoyed her music as a teenager, and even now, it brings me the same joy.”
Mila’s music has truly stood the test of time. She has returned to regular performances and new releases. Last year, she released a fresh version of ‘Chhera Pal’ on her YouTube channel, and in June 2024, her vibrant performance in ‘Tona Tuni’ reminded fans of her unforgettable presence in ‘Rupban’. Her song in the recently released film ‘Insaf’ has also received great attention, and her performances at multiple concerts abroad have been met with tremendous enthusiasm.
Mila reflects on her time away from the stage: “Sure, some time was lost, but I also needed that break. To push everything—emotions, experiences, and struggles—aside and start anew takes time. I took that time, and now I feel it’s time to soar again.” She is confident that her fans have not forgotten her. “I believed in myself, and that belief has brought me back to the stage,” she says. But, she adds, “I never left music; I’ve always been here.”
International Applause
Now more vibrant than ever, Mila is frequently performing, working on new songs, and planning further projects. When we spoke to her on Sunday, she was in South Korea, representing Bangladesh at the 20th International Immigrant Arirang Multi-Cultural Festival in Changwon. Mila said the performance was well-received, with their presentation standing out among artists from 24 different countries. “We took this as a challenge and were able to win over not just the Bangladeshi expatriates, but also the local and international audience. This isn’t just my victory, it’s a triumph for Bangladesh’s music,” Mila shared.
She continues, “There is no joy greater than performing on stage. The smiles, the applause, the excitement of the audience—it gives me a reason to live and keep going.”
Focused on Music, Not Gossip
After reigniting her career, Mila has been active in all spheres of music—cinema, solo tracks, and live shows. Her song ‘Akashayte Lakh Tara 2.0’ from the film ‘Insaf’ has garnered over 8.5 million views on YouTube and OTT platforms. Following the release, fellow artist Nancy took to social media to express her admiration for Mila: “Our only rockstar, much love and applause for you. You’ve broken down barriers, challenged norms, and inspired so many with your courageous voice. You’re not just a singer, you’re a movement. May this new chapter be filled with even more strength, emotion, and memorable melodies. Rock on, Queen!”
Mila is deeply touched by the affection of her friends, colleagues, and fans. “Fans still love my old songs, and they’re accepting my new ones too. I’m preparing to release several more songs soon,” she says.
There was a time when the media buzzed with stories about her personal life. But now, Mila has little interest in feeding those speculations. “I don’t want to indulge in that anymore!” she responds with mild annoyance. “It used to bother me, but not anymore. I know my work defines me, not the gossip. What others say doesn’t matter. My music speaks for itself.”
On social media, she has made her stance clear. Recently, she posted on Facebook: “Right now, I’ve ‘married’ my career. I’m not thinking about marriage, I’m focused on my career. I’m doing a lot of work, performing concerts, and I hope you’ll wish me well in my career instead of asking about my marriage.”
The Viral Era and New Opportunities
The journey from cassette tapes, CDs, VCDs, MP3s, and FM radio to today’s YouTube and TikTok era has been significant, and Mila sees this shift in a positive light. “Before, music spread via cassette tapes, radio, or TV. Now, social media allows it to reach people instantly. Fans can react immediately, and that’s great for artists. It challenges us,” she explains. She believes that no longer can any “syndicate” buy the love of listeners. “At the end of the day, the audience is the real judge. If the music isn’t good, no syndicate can save it. Times have changed; now, new artists are creating their own audiences on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. It’s a great opportunity if you can make the most of it.”
However, Mila also expresses some disappointment with the viral culture. “One thing people should remember is that being viral doesn’t mean it’s a hit. It used to be that a song became popular, and then people would dance to it. Now, after a song is released, there’s immediate collaboration with TikTokers to make it go viral. This takes away from the art,” she says. She’s also wary of the growing use of AI in music, adding, “It’s already happening abroad, and it feels like soon AI will be making music here too. But the real beauty of music lies in human emotion—machines can never replicate that.”
Still Just Beginning
On Facebook, Mila can often be seen singing Nazrulgeeti or Rabindra Sangeet in a homely setting, sometimes practising Raag Imon. “My musical journey began with my mother. I learned Nazrulgeeti and Rabindra Sangeet from her. Even today, on Eid, we sit together and sing. I encourage everyone to start cultural practices at home,” she says.
Despite being in the industry for over two decades, Mila doesn’t see herself as a veteran artist. “People say I’ve had a long journey, but I don’t want to think of it as long,” she says. “Because I still have so much to give—so many more stages, so many more songs, and so many more audiences to reach. The response we received in Korea proves that we are right there with the times, not lagging behind.”
Reflecting on her experience in South Korea, Mila adds, “The love of the audience is my greatest treasure. It’s that love that has kept me from fading away; it has given me new strength. Sometimes I wonder, has it really been 20 years? It feels like just yesterday that I started.”
Mila will return to Bangladesh on Tuesday (28th October), and she says that once back, she’ll dive into her music again. “Performing abroad has shown me that our music has gone global,” she says. “Expatriates still sing my old songs together. Their joy and smiles inspire me to keep singing, to keep creating.”
From her early days as a ninth-grader to becoming an iconic voice of a generation, Mila continues to captivate audiences both old and new. And while people still groove to ‘Baburam Sapuṛe’ or ‘Rupbane Nache Komor Dulaiya’ at family and social gatherings, Mila’s focus remains on her work: “At this stage, I don’t feel the need to stay in the spotlight. I believe I must stay relevant with good work. That’s the path I’m on, and I’m still at the beginning of it—I don’t want to see the end.”
Two decades into her journey, Mila is more confident and more rooted in her art than ever before. She’s no longer the subject of media gossip but finds her light through her music. She knows that it’s not about staying in the spotlight—it’s about spreading light. And that is the path she continues to walk.