Runa Laila, Bappa Ghazal Duet

Veteran singer Runa Laila and acclaimed Bangladeshi musician Bappa Mazumder have collaborated for what is being described as the first-ever Bangla ghazal duet, marking a significant cross-generational moment in the country’s contemporary music landscape.

The forthcoming track, titled “Anayashe”, has been penned by lyricist Syed Galib Hasan. The project was initially conceived as a solo rendition for Runa Laila. However, following the development of the composition and hearing Bappa Mazumder’s musical arrangement, Runa Laila proposed transforming it into a duet, thereby creating a rare collaborative piece between two widely respected figures in South Asian music.

In a video message shared on her verified Facebook page late on 24 April, Runa Laila formally announced the collaboration. She spoke warmly of Bappa Mazumder, praising him as an exceptionally gifted composer, singer and music director. According to her remarks, working alongside him elevated the artistic depth and emotional resonance of the song.

Bappa Mazumder, meanwhile, has expressed his admiration and excitement regarding the project, describing the experience of sharing vocals with Runa Laila as both “special” and a long-held dream realised. He noted that the collaboration represents a memorable milestone in his musical journey.

Industry reports indicate that the recording session for “Anayashe” was completed approximately one year ago at Bappa Mazumder’s studio located in Banani, Dhaka. The production was kept under wraps for an extended period before being publicly revealed in April this year.

Runa Laila also highlighted that a Bangla ghazal presented in duet format across such distinct generations of artists has rarely, if ever, been attempted before. This, she suggested, adds a layer of uniqueness to the project, both in its conceptual design and artistic execution.

The official release of the song has been scheduled for 16 May, with both artists expressing hope that listeners will receive the collaboration warmly and offer their support and blessings.

Key details of “Anayashe”

The collaboration is being viewed as a symbolic bridge between established and contemporary musical traditions, underscoring the evolving nature of Bangla ghazal interpretation.