Today marks the 72nd birthday of noted singer in this subcontinent Runa Laila. Her fans, friends, co-artistes and well-wishers around the world have sent greeting messages to the singer on this special day.

Runa Laila will spend this year’s birthday with her family members in a special way. However, she will participate Channel i’s programme “Taroka Kothon” at 12:00pm. Several renowned musicians of the country will also attend the programme with the singer.

About her birthday, the legendary singer said, “On this auspicious day, I just want everyone’s prayers for my healthy life. That I can present more beautiful songs to the audience. I think I have been able to come to this position because of the audience prayers and love. When my birthday comes, I miss my parents and my elder sister (Dina Laila) very much.”

 Do you have any plans for more new songs at this moment? In response to this question, Runa Laila said, “To be honest, my thoughts are all about songs. I also have several plans for new songs. I have plans to compose songs for a few artistes as well as to lend my voice to other’s tunes. I have already lent my vocal to two songs for Bangladesh Betar after a long hiatus. More songs are coming soon.”

Born on 17 November 1952, Runa Laila’s journey in the playback began by singing the song “Gudiya Si Munni Meri Bhaiya Ki Pyari” in the movie “Jugnu” (Bangladesh-Pakistan joint production movie) in 1964. After that, the singer played back in many more Pakistani movies. 

Before the Liberation War, Runa Laila played back the popular song “Ganeri Khatay Swarlipi Likhe” in the Bengali movie “Swarlipi”. The Nazrul Islam-directed movie was released in theatres on 29 May 1970. Written by noted artiste Gazi Mazharul Anwar, Subal Das was the composer of the track. Actress Babita lipped the song. Runa Laila created a buzz among the audience with her first Bengali playback. 

After coming to Bangladesh in 1974, she enthralled the audience by playing back in many movies including, “Jibon Sathi”, “Takar Khela”, “Jighangsha”, “Alo Tumi Aleya”, “Love in Shimla”, “ Protinidhi”, “Kajol Rekha”, “Rong Berong”, “The Rain”, “Jadur Bashi”, “ Koshai”, “Devdas”, “Chadni”, “Keyamat Theke Keyamat”, “Dola”, “Antore Antore”,  “Panku Jamai” and  “Dui Duari”.

In her 60 years of musical journey, Runa Laila has also lent her voice to many popular modern songs in Bengali language, including “Jokhon Thambe Kolahol”, “Khacha Bhenge Pakhi Uregelo”, “Bondhu Tindin Tor”, “Protidin Tomai Dekhi Surjer Age”, “Bhasar Jonno Jara Diye Gecho Pran” and Shesh Korona Khela Shurute”.

 In 2017, Runa Laila made her debut as a music composer in the movie “Ekte Cinemar Golpo”.  Ankhi Alamgir lent her voice to the song “Golpo Kothar Oi Kolpoloke” composed by her in the movie. Runa Laila also won the National Film Award as the best composer of the first song.

Later, noted musicians of the subcontinent Asha Bhosle, Hariharan, Adnan Sami and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan lent their voice to Runa Laila’s composition. All of them sang in Bengali language.

Runa Laila has sung in seventeen languages, including Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Gujarati, Pashto, Baluchi, Arabic, Persian, Malay, Nepalese, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, French and English.

In recognition of her contributions, Runa Laila has been honoured with Independence Day Award of Bangladesh, Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for six times, Shelteck Award, Saigal Award, India, Nigar Award, Pakistan (twice) 1968 and 1970, Critics Award, Pakistan, Graduate Award, Pakistan (twice), and National Council of Music Award- Gold Medal, Pakistan.