Veteran Bangladeshi music icon Runa Laila is set to be honoured once again on the international stage, reaffirming her enduring legacy as one of South Asia’s most influential vocalists. Her decades-long contribution to music across multiple languages, including Bengali, Hindi and Urdu, has earned her a rare status of cross-border admiration and cultural respect. Generations of listeners continue to cherish her timeless songs, which remain deeply embedded in the subcontinent’s musical heritage.
A major cultural festival will be held in New Delhi, India, from 4 May to 8 May, bringing together celebrated artists and cultural figures from across the region. The programme will take place across two prominent venues: the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and the Dr Ambedkar International Centre. According to the organisers, the formal presentation of the honour to Runa Laila will take place on the final day of the event, 8 May.
Speaking about the recognition, Runa Laila expressed that while the award is a personal milestone, she views it primarily as a matter of pride for Bangladesh as a whole. She emphasised that being recognised internationally as a Bangladeshi artist carries profound emotional significance for her, reflecting the country’s rich musical tradition and cultural influence.
The organisers had earlier informed her of the honour through an official invitation letter. The acclaimed singer noted that such recognition, coming at this stage of her long and distinguished career, serves as a renewed source of inspiration. It encourages her to continue contributing creatively to music and to remain active in her artistic journey for as long as possible.
She also shared details about her upcoming musical project, which has generated considerable interest. Initially intended as a solo recording, the song eventually developed into a duet with well-known Bangladeshi musician Bappa Mazumder. Although he was initially hesitant to participate, Runa Laila’s encouragement led to a creative collaboration between the two artists.
The upcoming track is described as a fusion of ghazal-inspired elements blended with contemporary musical arrangements, marking a fresh stylistic exploration for the veteran singer. The lyrics have been written by Galib Hasan, while composition and arrangement have been handled by Bappa Mazumder.
Reflecting on her long career, Runa Laila stated that she considers it a blessing to remain active in music and continue performing for audiences. She also recalled a recent live performance in Sylhet, where she sang for nearly an hour and a half to an enthusiastic audience, describing the experience as deeply fulfilling and emotionally rewarding.
Summary of Honour and Event
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Duration | 4 May – 8 May |
| Location | New Delhi, India |
| Venues | Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts; Dr Ambedkar International Centre |
| Award Presentation Date | 8 May (Final Day) |
| Honoured Artist | Runa Laila |
| Musical Collaboration | Bappa Mazumder |
| Song Style | Ghazal-inspired contemporary fusion |
This upcoming international recognition not only celebrates Runa Laila’s extraordinary musical journey but also highlights Bangladesh’s lasting contribution to the cultural and artistic landscape of South Asia.