Bangladesh’s Own Musical Treasure: Runa Laila, Says Alamgir

Legendary singer Runa Laila’s extraordinary musical journey and distinctive approach to vocal practice have recently been brought into the spotlight, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the life of one of the subcontinent’s most celebrated voices. The reflections came from none other than her husband, eminent film actor Alamgir, who spoke with warmth and pride about the woman he described as a national treasure.

“Bangladesh can proudly say that we have a Runa Laila of our own,” Alamgir remarked, emphasising that public love and affection are the greatest rewards an artiste can ever receive. Recalling an anecdote from decades ago, he noted that an Indian newspaper once famously wrote, “Give us Runa, and we will give you the water of the Farakka.” According to Alamgir, such recognition reflects an achievement that very few artistes ever attain — a stature that transcends borders and politics.

Runa Laila recently appeared as a guest on a programme aired by a private television channel, during which Alamgir shared his thoughts through a recorded video message. He reflected that respect can be earned, but love is bestowed by fortune. “Receiving the love of people is the highest accomplishment in an artiste’s life,” he said, adding that Runa Laila has been exceptionally fortunate in that regard.

One of the most fascinating revelations concerned her unconventional approach to practice. Alamgir confessed that he has never seen her spend long hours seated with a tanpura, nor does she rely on modern pitch-correction devices. Instead, she practises constantly while walking, doing household chores, folding clothes, or even humming scales in the bathroom. When he once questioned whether this truly counted as practice, Runa Laila replied that her aim was simply to keep her voice “in the right place”. Years of rigorous training under great ustads, she explained, have embedded pitch so deeply in her ears that formal practice has become a continuous, natural process.

The programme also offered lighter moments. Runa Laila affectionately teased her husband’s well-known fondness for grooming, joking that even in serious conversations or inside elevators, Alamgir cannot resist adjusting his hair.

She also recalled a remarkable feat from the 1990s that earned her a place in the Guinness World Records. Over three consecutive days, she recorded 30 songs — 10 songs per day — beginning each morning at 9am and finishing by early evening, with each track completed seamlessly one after another.

Although Runa Laila spent her childhood and early career in Pakistan, she returned to Bangladesh after independence, where she found her deepest sense of belonging. Born on 17 November 1952 in Sylhet, she was raised in a musically rich environment. Her mother, Amena Laila, was a singer, and her maternal uncle, Subir Sen, was a renowned Indian artiste. Due to her father’s transferable government job, she grew up across various cities, eventually receiving formal classical and ghazal training in Lahore under distinguished maestros.

Runa Laila began her playback singing career in 1965 and entered Bengali cinema soon afterwards. Within five years, she had recorded nearly a thousand songs. Her arrival in Bangladesh in 1974 marked a new chapter, further cemented by acclaimed performances in India and close associations with legends such as Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.

Her accolades, linguistic versatility, and enduring popularity have firmly established her as one of the greatest musical icons the subcontinent has ever produced.

Key Facts and Achievements of Runa Laila

Runa Laila’s legacy is not merely defined by numbers or awards, but by a voice that continues to resonate across generations, cultures, and continents — a legacy Bangladesh proudly calls its own.