Bangladeshi singer Ronti Das has received the Best Female Melody Singer award at the Dhallywood Awards 2026, held in the United States. The accolade marks another notable achievement in her career, which spans modern Bengali music, folk songs and film playback. Renowned singer Rizia Parveen presented the award to Das at the ceremony.
Das first came to public attention in 2006 through Closeup One: Tomakei Khujchhe Bangladesh, a popular televised music competition that provided a platform for emerging singers. The programme helped introduce her to a wider audience, paving the way for a career across several genres of Bengali music.
Over the years, she has developed a distinctive musical identity through her performances in contemporary Bengali songs, folk music and film soundtracks. Her latest award recognises her work as a melody singer and adds to the milestones of a career built on versatility and a sustained engagement with Bengali music.
A varied career in Bengali music
Film playback has been an important part of Das’s musical journey. She has lent her voice to several Bangladeshi films, including Shuvo Bibaho, Khoj: The Search, Kortitto, The Speed, Ostroproyog and Bostir Chhele Kotipoti. Playback singing requires performers to convey the emotions of a song in a way that complements the characters and narrative on screen, making it a distinct aspect of a singer’s craft.
Among Das’s recognised songs are Dekho Amar Khushite, Hello Brishti, Hridoy Jekhane, Rong, Uralia, Dakati, Bahar Bari, Ekela and Abhimani. Her repertoire reflects her involvement in different forms of Bengali music, allowing her to reach listeners with varied musical tastes.
Born in Chattogram, Das developed an interest in music during her childhood. Encouragement and support from her family helped her pursue that interest. Her father, Subal Kanti Das, was a businessman, while her mother, Lucky Rani Das, worked for a multinational company.
Her breakthrough through a televised competition gave her an early opportunity to establish herself in the music industry. Subsequent work across contemporary songs, folk music and film soundtracks enabled her to broaden her experience as a performer.
Plans to promote music education in New York
Das currently lives in New York, where she is continuing her musical activities while planning an initiative to expand access to music education. She intends to establish a music school called Ronti’s Music Kitchen, through which students will be able to learn a range of musical traditions.
The proposed institution is expected to offer lessons in classical music, Nazrul Geeti, Rabindra Sangeet, patriotic songs, modern Bengali music and folk music. Special vocal training is also planned to help students develop their singing techniques and improve their command of their voices.
The school is intended to offer both online and in-person classes. This approach could make music lessons accessible to students who face geographical or travel-related barriers, while also providing opportunities for those who prefer direct, face-to-face instruction.
A particularly significant element of the initiative is the plan to provide free music education for children with special needs. Through this provision, Das hopes to make musical learning more accessible and encourage children from different backgrounds to explore their interests.
Music education can offer more than technical training. It can help learners develop creativity, confidence and an appreciation of cultural traditions. By covering several genres, the proposed school would also provide opportunities for students to become familiar with the breadth of Bengali music, from its classical and literary traditions to contemporary and folk forms.
The plan to offer online lessons could also help connect learners beyond New York, although the extent of the school’s reach will depend on how the initiative is developed.
A new milestone in her musical journey
The Dhallywood Awards 2026 honour adds a fresh chapter to Das’s career. Having established herself through a popular music competition and subsequently worked across several genres, she is now looking towards music education as another way to contribute to the field.
Her proposed school reflects an ambition to combine her professional experience with opportunities for aspiring singers to learn and develop their abilities. The planned provision for children with special needs also places accessibility among the initiative’s stated priorities.
As she continues her musical pursuits in the United States, Das aims to undertake new projects while helping introduce Bengali music and Bangladesh’s cultural heritage to wider audiences. Her latest award offers recognition of her work as a singer, while her plans for music education point to a broader interest in nurturing the next generation of music enthusiasts.
