‘I’m still in a trance’ — Konal overwhelmed by Shakib’s praise

Bangladeshi film superstar Shakib Khan recently paid tribute to singer Somnur Monir Konal, and Konal responded with an emotional post on social media after hearing her praise from the actor. Below is a faithful English rendering and reorganisation of her post, preserving the original length and sentiment.

“When I saw Bhai on the TV show ‘Konal, one day this country will feel proud of you’ — I froze for a second. I couldn’t reconcile it because Bhai is in America! I could hardly listen properly because my astonishment has not left me. After leaving the studio I collected the whole video and watched it more than a hundred times. Really, Bhai said those things about me?

The Bengali-speaking people around the world feel proud of him — and he has prayed that one day the country will feel proud of me. The great star of Bengali cinema called me a versatile playback artist! He is someone who does things for his relatives and friends whenever he gets the chance. He himself said that I am humane! The crown prince of millions of fans on both Bengals called me ‘sister’ and said he is proud to regard me as part of his family.
I’m still in a trance as I write!

Konal continued to express deep gratitude and a mixture of awe and humility:

Bhai, my gratitude to you is endless! But can I dare to write or speak about you? You are the iconic figure of Bengali cinema. You are such a great artist and person — even if you had not said anything about someone as small as me, it would have been fine; yet you spoke.

How do you love people so much, Bhai? I kept listening to your words over and over and thinking how many people spread strange things about our relationship. How relentlessly they try to establish lies! Sometimes when we grow weary of so much negativity, your voice comes to mind.

She quotes Shakib’s reassuring words and describes how they gave her strength:

“Konal, Zia, you are my brothers and sisters, you are my family. They don’t want you to stay by my side — that’s why the conspiracies. But remember, our bond is lifelong.”
When I recall “that’s why”, I find courage again and can face the world with a smiling face.

Konal acknowledges Shakib’s role in her rise and the wider context of her career:

Many are reluctant to acknowledge your contribution to others’ success, but if I forget the role you played in my professional career I would be ungrateful, Bhai. My parents’ dreams, my hard work and perseverance, the vow never to give up, a desire to do good things, and my determination to keep working with Bengali music — these brought me back to the country. Channel i gave me a platform. The listeners gave me courage and love. Singing over time, your heartfelt support, your constant faith in me and your encouragement have played a huge role in making me who I am today.

She then offers a candid, personal declaration:

One truth you should know, Bhai — perhaps I will not sing professionally forever, but you will be my brother for life. There is no fraternal obligation between singing for your films and our brotherhood. There never was, and there never will be. I’ll be your biggest cheerleader no matter what.

Konal closes with a plea and a prayer for Shakib’s well-being:

Pray for me, so I can live up to your words, work sincerely, become a good citizen and do something for the country, so that one day Bangladesh will be proud of your sister. I pray for your health. I pray for your protection from all evil. May my brother remain under Allah’s merciful shade. Ameen.

At a glance — key elements of Konal’s post