Becoming “Shera Kontho”

Zanita Ahmed Zhilik

Zanita Ahmed Zhilik won the top spot at the popular talent hunt Channel i Shera Kontho 2008. A student of class IX at Mohammadpur Preparatory High School, success seems to have favoured her at an early stage. The Daily Star caught up with the young singer. Zhilik talked about her journey through Shera Kontho, future plans and more.
Born into a culturally oriented family, Zhilik was introduced to music at an early age. Her father M.A. Jalil, an enlisted artiste of Bangladesh TV and Radio, was her first mentor and teacher. Zhilik's initiation in music happened when she was only three.
“My father has always been my biggest source of inspiration. If it wasn't for him I could have never made it this far,” said Zhilik.
When she was seven, Zhilik trained under Bashanti Gomez. From 2006 Zhilik has been taking music lessons from Manindra Nath Roy, a family friend.
Talking about her first experience on Shera Kontho, Zhilik said, “I remember the day very well. I woke up at 5 in the morning, did reyaaz till 6 and then went to the Channel i office at Tejgaon for the auditions. At the audition my judges were Shafiq Tuhin and Shammi Akhter. I was a bit nervous but confident nevertheless. After singing six songs, I was given the 'yes card'.”
“Music is my passion and I'm always up for a challenge. When I came to know about the contest I felt that I must take part in it as it would be a great opportunity for me to have my skills evaluated,” she said.
Apart from that another reason was to meet the two main judges -- Runa Laila and Sabina Yasmin -- considered legends in our country.
On the contest Zhilik said, “Shera Kontho was a huge platform for young singers. I have learnt so much at the camp. I had the opportunity to sing in front of Runa Laila and Sabina Yasmin. In the 'Band Round' I had the chance to perform with LRB and Ayub Bachchu. I was ecstatic!
“Also, thanks to the contest, I could interact with Runa Laila ma'am and Sabina Yasmin ma'am. Runa Laila ma'am even gave me a nickname, 'Bijli',” said a smiling Zhilik.
Speaking of the grand finale, Zhilik said, “The final was aired live so I was nervous. There were so many people in the audience! I tried to stay composed and give the best performance I could.”
“At the finale, I performed the song O ki bondhu kajol bhromora rey. Coincidently at my first audition, I performed this song,” Zhilik added.
About her future plans Zhilik said, “Music is something without which I don't feel complete, at the same time I want to complete my studies as well. I would try to pursue both -- carry on with my singing without hampering my studies. I have full support of my family so I think I will be successful. I will try my best not to disappoint those who have made me Shera Kontho with their support and votes.”