10,000 Songs, 18 Languages — Runa Laila’s Legacy Is Beyond Imagination

Before the widely adored ‘Bondhu tin din tor barite gelam dekha pailam na’ became a household favourite, Runa Laila had already captured the hearts of millions with classics like the Hindi-era hit ‘O Mera Babu Chhail Chhabila’ and the Pakistani film sensation ‘Unki Nazron Se Mohabbat’—songs that shaped a musical era across the subcontinent.

The woman behind this extraordinary journey is none other than Runa Laila—one of South Asia’s most versatile and influential vocalists. As she celebrates her 72nd birthday on 17 November, admirers across three nations recall her enormous contribution to music with reverence and affection.

Six Decades of a Remarkable Musical Odyssey

This year marks not only her 72nd birthday but also the completion of an astonishing 60 years in music. Over these decades, Runa Laila has earned adoration not only in Bangladesh but also in India, Pakistan and beyond.

With over 10,000 songs in 18 languages, her discography stands as one of the richest in South Asian music history. Whether classical, folk, pop, disco, ghazal or film songs—her voice has effortlessly woven emotions into every genre.

Her exceptional achievements have earned her Bangladesh’s highest civilian accolade—the Independence Award—alongside countless international honours.

A Star Across Pakistan, India and Bangladesh

Born on 17 November 1952 in Sylhet, Runa Laila’s professional journey began in the late 1960s in the Pakistani film industry. Inspired by the legendary Ahmed Rushdi, she quickly won over Urdu-speaking audiences. Songs like ‘Unki Nazron Se Mohabbat Ka Jo Paighaam Mila’ became instant sensations.

Her fame soon expanded to India, where ‘O Mera Babu Chhail Chhabila’ won widespread recognition. In the 1980s, she created history once again through her collaboration with composer Bappi Lahiri in the iconic album ‘Disco Deewane’, which became a global bestseller.

Back home in Bangladesh, she secured seven National Film Awards for Best Female Playback Singer through films such as The Rain (1976), Jadur Bashi (1977), Accident (1989) and Ontore Ontore (1994). Folk numbers like ‘Sadher Lau Banailo More Boiragi’ and ‘Bondhu Teen Din Tor Bari Te Gelam’ gained renewed popularity through her magical voice.

Her Mother—the Source of All Strength

Runa Laila has consistently attributed her achievements to her mother, who supported her from childhood, accompanied her to recording studios and guided her throughout her early years in music. That emotional anchor, she often says, helped her withstand the pressures of stardom.

A Birthday Marked by ‘Mast Qalandar’

This year, her birthday came with a special surprise for fans. The third season of Coke Studio Bangla concluded with her powerful rendition of the celebrated Sufi number ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar’—a song that has carried her name across continents for decades.

Although fans expected a grand celebration, the queen of melody shared that she plans to spend the day quietly with her family. After six decades of unparalleled fame, Runa Laila remains grounded—treasuring family, music and the millions of listeners who shaped her extraordinary legacy.