Legendary Nazrul singer Shabnam Mustari has lost her memories

Ekushey Padak-winning Nazrul Sangeet exponent Shabnam Mustari has not been keeping well these days. She has lost her memories.

Though she talks to everyone who visits her, she has trouble trying to recall their identity and details. Her speech is incoherent and rambling.

Once busy with back-to-back recordings, Shabnam Mustari has been spending her days within the four walls of her room, stepping out for meals and only when someone visits her, for the past year.

"Bubbly and cheerful Shabnam now has become a quiet soul," shares her sister noted Nazrul sangeet singer Parveen Mustari. Shabnam was diagnosed with dementia about two years ago, and had started to forget small things. "Now, my sister has completely lost her memories," adds Parveen.

Shabnam had a stroke last year and also had brain surgery about three months ago, Parveen says.

The Nazrul Padak-winning singer needs special care at home for her day-to-day activities, though her eating habits are normal. A nurse has been appointed for her.

Born to noted poet Talim Hossain and journalist Begum Mafruha Chowdhury, renowned singer Shabnam Mustari has been representing Bangladesh and its musical heritage on local and international platforms since her school days. Sadly, no one has inquired about her whereabouts for a long time, informs her sister.

"We have never asked for any help or support till now. However, our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is very generous towards artistes. Our father and our family shared a good relationship with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the PM adores my sister. I hope a responsible individual informs her of my sister's condition," shares an emotional Parveen.

Shabnam Mustari entered the music industry during the 60s, and soon rose to fame for her renditions of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's compositions. She has also performed various modern songs and Urdu gazals.

Some of her most cherished numbers include "Laili Tomar Esheche Phiria", "Amai Nohe Go Bhalobasho Mor Gaan", "Piya Piya Piya", and "Tumi Shuniye Cheyona", among others.

Her sisters Yasmin Mustari and Parveen Mustari are also noted Nazrul Sangeet singers.

Parveen asks for prayers from their well-wishers in these tough times. "I hope we all stand by her as she needs us the most now," she concludes.

Translated by Ashley Shoptorshi Samaddar