Veteran Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila is set to be conferred the prestigious “Minar-e-Delhi” honour in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the field of music and the performing arts. The accolade will be presented at the 15th edition of the Delhi International Film Festival, marking yet another significant milestone in her illustrious career spanning several decades.
The festival, organised under the auspices of a body associated with India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, will take place from 4 to 8 May in New Delhi. It has steadily grown into an important cultural platform, drawing attention from filmmakers, artists and audiences across the globe.
Expressing her gratitude on social media, Runa Laila thanked the festival authorities for the invitation and the recognition. She wrote that she was deeply honoured to receive the “Minar-e-Delhi” award and looked forward to attending the event in person, adding that she was eagerly awaiting the occasion.
In an official communication addressed to the singer, festival founder and president Ram Kishore Parcha praised her enduring artistic legacy. He highlighted that Runa Laila’s melodious voice has touched millions of listeners across India and Bangladesh for many decades, playing a vital role in strengthening cultural ties between the two neighbouring countries. According to the letter, her acceptance of the honour would not only enhance the prestige of the festival but also further reinforce artistic and cultural harmony in the region.
The upcoming edition of the festival will be hosted at two prominent venues in the Indian capital: the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and the Dr Ambedkar International Centre. This year’s programme will place special emphasis on themes such as women’s empowerment, socially relevant cinema, children’s issues, and the promotion of women filmmakers.
A number of well-known figures from the South Asian film and music industries are expected to attend the festival. The guest list reportedly includes Sharmila Tagore, Rituparna Sengupta, Revathi, Shweta Menon, Usha Uthup, Rajpal Yadav, and Raghubir Yadav, among others.
Event Overview
| Category |
Details |
| Event |
15th Delhi International Film Festival |
| Dates |
4–8 May |
| Location |
New Delhi, India |
| Venues |
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts; Dr Ambedkar International Centre |
| Special Honour |
“Minar-e-Delhi” Award |
| Recipient |
Runa Laila |
| Key Themes |
Women’s empowerment, social films, children’s issues, women filmmakers |
| Notable Attendees |
Sharmila Tagore, Rituparna Sengupta, Revathi, Shweta Menon, Usha Uthup, Rajpal Yadav, Raghubir Yadav |
The honour underscores Runa Laila’s enduring influence in South Asian music and her role as a cultural bridge between Bangladesh and India, reflecting a legacy that continues to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike.
Comments