Spotlight
Shanila Islam
Shanila Islam is a third generation singer, with her grandfather being the late great Khan Ataur Rahman. She has been singing since she was four years old, and her YouTube channel makes it obvious that she has all the tools needed to be an asset in the future of Bangladeshi music. Star Showbiz had a chat with the prodigy.
When did you start playing music? Who are your inspirations?
I started singing when I was four years old. When I was in fifth grade, my dad got me and my sister a guitar. Somehow, I seemed to be the only one interested enough to play it. Since then, I have been very eager to play, but my studies always get in the way. However, that guitar is very special to me and I still play it.
My father used to make me listen to a lot of classical songs by Hemanta Mukherjee, Kishore Kumar and many more from their time which initially got me hooked into Indian Bengali songs. At the same time, my late grandfather Khan Ataur Rahman, who has been an inspiration to my mother and uncle, has also inspired me to make music, so you could say that it's in my blood.
Tell us about your current projects. Do you plan to release an album?
I'm currently covering songs on YouTube. I'm pretty happy with the response, and I am planning to release an album as soon as possible. I will soon launch a music video of my first original Joto Jai Bolo. I wrote and tuned the song, and it was recorded by Autumnal Moon.
What genre of music do you prefer?
Frankly, I listen to anything that suits my mood. But when it comes to creating music, I definitely tend to come up with something which is melodically rich, preferably pop or rock. However, I really do like the blues, even country and soul, and I plan on doing something about it in the future.
What do you do besides music?
I am currently studying Architecture which takes up a lot of time and thus makes it harder for me to pursue my musical career. Other than that, I really enjoy playing basketball.
Describe yourself in one word.
Carefree!
Where do you want to see yourself in the future?
Honestly, the point where my grandfather or my uncle Mr. Agun is. I know that achieving that position would be difficult for me, but I believe that I can do it. Music is my passion, and I will be satisfied when I will be able to inspire someone just the way I was inspired.
Interviewed by Sadi Mohammad Shahnewaz