Konal @ DS Café
'Konal' is a name for the flower red lotus, and Somnur Monir Konal, one of the most popular young singers of this time, has been just as bright in the industry over the last few years. Since winning reality show “Channel i Shera Kontho” in 2009, Konal gained skyrocketing popularity as a singer, especially among the youths. Since then, she has never had to look back -- doing stage performance, live shows, playback singing and releasing a number of solo and mixed albums. But that is not her entire story. She, as an emcee, has also gained popularity, courtesy of her voice, presentation and glowing beauty.
Recently, the diva attended DS Café, the monthly programme of Arts & Entertainment, as the celebrity of the month. Her fans from different parts of the country engaged in a Q&A session with Konal. Excerpts:
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Labonno, Dhaka: What's the necessity of rewaz (practice) for a singer?
Konal: Rewaz is an absolute necessity for a singer. Without which, a singer cannot go far. Practice makes one perfect and for an artiste, it's a must.
Sabbir, Chittagong: Why do you do music?
Konal: Music is my love. I cannot imagine myself without music. This is not solely because I do music, but I have zeal for music. It is difficult to find a human being who doesn't love music.
Papel, Noakhali: Who were the first persons on your mind when you wore the crown of Shera Kantho?
Konal: First I remembered my mother and then father. After that, I heartily thanked the almighty. My mother has tremendous contribution behind my achievement in the reality show. Her dedication and inspiration were behind my success. And for that I recalled her first.
Rony, Dhaka University: Who has the greatest contribution behind your present position?
Konal: Firstly my parents, and then my mejo-mama (maternal uncle). He has a lot of contribution behind my present success.
Shamim, Dhaka: May I know about your ancestral residence?
Konal: My ancestral house is in Singair Upazilla of Manikganj.
Lajuk, Dhaka: How did the people from Kuwait inspire you to sing?
Konal: Many people from Kuwait tremendously encouraged me to sing. Though I cannot name them specifically I will always be grateful to them.
Taniha, Dhaka: Do you think singers should have social responsibilities?
Konal: I think every singer has social responsibility. Not only singers, but every citizen has social responsibilities.
Kamal Parvez, Tangail: Tell me something about your next album?
Konal: I am currently working on my next album. I want to make tracks subject-specific. This album will be different from my previous albums for which I am taking time. I don't want to do it in haste.
Faruk, Gazipur: How is your playback singing going on?
Konal: Recently I sang in a number of films. And I assure my listeners and fans that they'll get to hear me soon in a number of upcoming films.
Sajal, Savar: How many foreign trips did you recently have?
Konal: I did a number of stage shows recently. I went to USA to perform and stayed there for quite a long. Then I went to Russia for another show and stayed there for a week. Kumar Biswajit was there too. My last trip was to Kuwait.
Abir, Chittagong: What was your first solo album?
Konal: My first solo album was “Jadu”.
Shaon, Savar: Which instrument do you like to play most?
Konal: I love to play tanpura but my heart lies with sitar. The tune of sitar enhances my mood. I am a die-hard fan of Anoushka Shankar, daughter of Pandit Ravi Shankar. I have listened to all her albums.
Rajani, Dhaka: What is the necessity of music videos?
Konal: I think music videos are necessary since listeners are, nowadays, not only content with the voice. Rather they want corresponding visualisation which can bring mood to songs. That's why music videos are essential. In India, the trend of music video came into mainstream long ago, but we are yet to fully adopt it.
Toma, Rajshahi: Do you have any interest in acting?
Konal: No, I don't. I have no idea why people ask me this question. At present, I am giving undivided attention to music.
Sagor Chowdhury, Sylhet: To what extent is it necessary for an artiste to be a good person?
Konal: An artiste has to be a good person first. Not only is it necessary for an artiste, but every individual has to be a good person.
Sajib, Mymensingh: Many singers are coming into limelight through reality shows. How many of them actually survive in the long run?
Konal: Competitions undoubtedly create a strong platform for enthusiasts. This is definitely a great initiative without which many couldn't have appeared in the music scene. But once the competition ends, contestants have to do everything on their own. It is necessary to practice in order to survive in the competitive market. There is no alternative to hard work for a singer.
Following the Q&A session, Konal also performed for the audience – members of The Daily Star Family – who had gathered at the auditorium. She started with a Nazrul Sangeet “Anjali Loho More”, followed by a handful of her favourite songs, including Rudra Mohammad Shahidullah's “Amar Bhitor Bahire”, and ended with a patriotic song “Sundor Suborno”.
Transcribed by Shah Alam Shazu
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