A lifetime in music, a first at Shilpakala: Runa Laila's solo concert

Beneath a sky that drifted between soft clouds and fleeting sunshine, the evening unfolded into a warm, mingled melody as the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) today witnessed a moment that will be cherished for years to come. For the first time in her extraordinary 62-year career, the country's living legend, Runa Laila, performed at the academy, marking a historic milestone for both the iconic artiste and the institution. 

For those fortunate enough to be in the audience, it was more than a concert—it was the rare privilege of experiencing one of South Asia's greatest musical voices live. With the poise, warmth and effortless brilliance that have defined her remarkable journey, Runa Laila performed some of the songs that have become synonymous with her illustrious career, leaving the audience wrapped in nostalgia and admiration.

Adding further significance to the occasion was a humanitarian initiative attached to the concert. The entire proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the prime minister’s relief fund to support people affected by the recent floods, transforming an already historic evening of music into a meaningful expression of solidarity and compassion.

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The tribute segment began with a video message from renowned musician Bappa Mazumder, followed by greetings from veteran musician Foad Nasser Babu and instrumentalist Sadek Ali. Veteran actor Alamgir, also Runa Laila’s husband, described Runa Laila as "one of the finest artistes and a great human being" and praised her as an exceptional human being. Singer and composer Imran Mahmudul, singer Zanita Ahmed Zhilik, and Ankhi Alamgir also shared heartfelt messages, with Ankhi affectionately calling her "the one and only Runa Laila.”

The event began with a felicitation ceremony, opening with a welcome address by Rezauddin Stalin, director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. He said, "We are grateful for this moment, which has come after 62 years. Tonight, we celebrate a truly unique occasion, made even more special by its humanitarian purpose. All proceeds from tonight's concert will be donated to support flood victims, and we extend our deepest sympathies to everyone affected."

Special guest Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, state minister for the Ministry of Cultural Affairs conveyed his speech followed by the event’s chief guest Nitai Roy Chowdhury,
minister, Ministry of Cultural Affairs. "Guided by the vision of our honourable Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, we are committed to fostering national consciousness and elevating Bangladesh's culture on both the national and global stage.” he further said, “We aim to promote life-affirming cultural practices while discouraging superstition, revive Bangladesh's rich folk traditions—from Baul and Bhatiali to the legacies of Lalon, Hason Raja and Abdul Alim—and showcase our cultural history to the world. We will also celebrate the diverse traditions of our ethnic communities, fostering unity in diversity." 

Kaniz Mowla, secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, further presided at the event.

With the closing statement by Mohammad Zakir Hossain, secretary, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and convener of the honour conferment implementation committee.

The programme progressed with Kaniz Mawla handing off Runa Laila a bouquet, while Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam handed over the frame, and the crest was presented by Nitai Roy Chowdhury.
The concert began with a warm address by acclaimed actor and artiste Afzal Hossain, who welcomed the audience before inviting the living legend, Runa Laila, to the stage. Asked how she felt about being honoured by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy after more than six decades, she replied with her trademark wit, "At last—and at least—they called me!" Her quip drew laughter and applause from the audience.

Opening her performance with the patriotic "Desher Jonno Jara Diye Gechho Pran”, Runa Laila set the tone for an evening that celebrated both music and national spirit. She then transitioned into “Shilpi Ami Tomaderi Gaan Shonabo”, telling the audience with a smile, "I'm 74 years old," before urging them to respond with louder applause and energy. Actor Afzal Hossain quipped that he had heard people say she would lip-sync, but the audience was instead witnessing her sing live. "I like to sing live. The more strength and encouragement you give me, the better I'll be able to perform," she replied. In her trademark witty style, she added, "I tend to forget lip-sync. So it's easier for me to sing live." Reflecting on her remarkable journey, she said, "It is through your prayers and the Almighty's grace that I have come this far."
 

She then continued the musical journey with “Jokhon Thambe Kolahol”, “Ganeri Khatay Swaralipi Likhe”, “Je Jon Premer Bhab Janena”, “Amay Gethe Dao Na Mago Ekta Polash Phuler Mala”, and “Bondhu Tin Din Tor Barite Gelam”. During the performance, she invited Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Secretary Mohammad Zakir Hossain onto the stage for a light-hearted duet, drawing cheers from the audience. As the evening drew to a close, she playfully asked everyone not to get too excited, saying the honourable minister had promised to arrange another concert where she would sing these songs again. She ended on an emotional note, saying, "The main thing is that after 62 years, they called me," referring to the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy's long-awaited tribute in her honour.

The evening unfolded into a timeless memory that mesmerised everyone who witnessed its magic in person. Afzal Hossain also recited a poem, while Runa Laila carried the night forward with one unforgettable song after another, leaving the audience with memories to cherish for a lifetime.