Ferdous Ara has described Nazrul music as a comprehensive musical tradition that encompasses a wide range of genres, reflecting the artistic legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam.
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Personal routine and lifestyle
At the beginning of the Bengali month of Boishakh, as seasonal heat increases, Ferdous Ara reflected on her current lifestyle and daily routine. She stated that she has structured her time in a way that allows her to maintain a quiet and private environment, where she can focus on music and meditation.
She explained that this arrangement helps her balance her professional commitments while ensuring time for personal reflection and artistic practice. She emphasised that she prefers to remain unaffected by external fluctuations and instead focuses on maintaining inner discipline.
She said:
“I am well. I have divided my time according to my own preference. This allows me to spend quiet, private time with myself and to practise music and meditation. Amid various professional responsibilities, this is my space to breathe. I try to maintain it properly, and I am not particularly concerned with what comes or goes in external matters.”
Awards and personal perspective
In the previous year, Ferdous Ara received Bangladesh’s second-highest civilian honour, the Ekushey Padak. She has also been awarded a lifetime achievement honour at the Channel i Music Awards. However, she emphasised that formal recognition is not her primary motivation.
She stated that she is not involved in competition and continues to focus on her work with dedication. According to her, while such honours are significant, the affection and appreciation of listeners remain more important.
She said:
“I am not involved in any kind of competition. I continue to focus on my work with dedication. If you speak of material achievements, I have received the Ekushey Padak, but beyond all of this, love is what matters most to me. Human affection is above everything else. Whenever Nazrul music programmes are organised in different parts of the country, I am often given a central role. Such respect cannot be compared with material awards.”
Sur Saptak and cultural programme
Ferdous Ara has been running her music institution “Sur Saptak” for 26 years. The institution has trained numerous students in music and regularly organises cultural events during the Bengali New Year period.
This year, Sur Saptak will organise its annual programme titled “Bidai Borshoboron” on 2 May at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. The event will mark the farewell of Bengali year 1432 and the welcome of 1433, alongside observances related to Chaitra Sankranti, Pohela Boishakh, and Nazrul Jayanti.
The programme will feature performances by students of the institution as well as artists from different generations. Senior cultural figures and government representatives are also expected to attend.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme title | Bidai Borshoboron |
| Organiser | Sur Saptak |
| Date | 2 May |
| Venue | National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy |
| Location | Segunbagicha, Dhaka |
| Occasion | Farewell of Bengali year 1432, welcome of 1433, Chaitra Sankranti, Pohela Boishakh, Nazrul Jayanti |
| Participants | Students, multi-generational artists, cultural and government representatives |
Ferdous Ara noted that Nazrul music represents a wide range of musical forms, which is reflected in the diversity of performances included in the programme.
Teaching and ongoing involvement
Despite her long career, she remains actively engaged in teaching music, particularly to children at Sur Saptak. She continues to participate in classes, guiding students and correcting their performance as part of her teaching practice.
Several experienced musicians are associated with the institution. Among them is Anil Kumar Saha, who teaches classical music and is recognised as a gold medallist in India. Towhidul Islam, associated with the Nazrul Institute, also teaches at the institution, along with Chhanda Chakraborty, who conducts classes for students.
Ferdous Ara stated that working with children remains a source of satisfaction for her, and that their progress continues to be the main reward of her teaching efforts.