THROUGH THE EYES OF FARIDA PARVEEN
Farida Parveen is an indistinguishable name in the Bangladeshi folk music arena. Known as the Queen of Lalon songs, she was born at 31st December, 1954 in Natore, Bangladesh and was brought up in Kushtia. She graduated from Kushtia Govt. College under Rajshahi University. Though she was enlisted with Rajshahi Betar as a Nazrul singer in 1968, she attained popularity in 1973 by performing the patriotic song 'Ei Padma Ei Meghna' and the Lalon song 'Shatyo Bol Shupothey Chol'. Her albums include 'Khachar Vitor Ochin Pakhi', 'Kishoree Bou', 'Milon Hobe Koto Dine', 'Nindar Kata', 'Pap Punner Kotha', 'Shomoy Gele Shadhon Hobena' and 'Tomra Bhule Gecho'. Some of her notable songs are 'Ei Padma Ei Meghna', 'Barir Kache Arshi Nogor', 'Shatyo Bol Shupothey Chol', 'Tomra Bhule Gecho Mallikader Naam', 'Nindar Kata Jodi' and 'Porga Namaz Jene Shune'. She has achieved many prestigious awards such as the Ekushey Padak (1987), Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer (1993) and Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize (2008).
INSPIRATION
Since childhood, I could feel a divine magnetism with music. Therefore, music is my first inspiration. I grew up in a warm cultural atmosphere. My parents were very inspirational in flourishing my talent in music. I still can remember the heart-melting melody of my mother's voice. My first Guru Komal Chakrabarti is my inspiration. Later on, I received lessons in classical music from Ustaad Ibrahim Khan, Ustad Rabindranath Ray, Ustad Osman Goni and Ustad Motaleb Biswas. Then I learnt Nazrul songs from Ustad Mir Muzaffar Ali and Ustad Abdul Qadir. All of them are my inspirations. I must say that I was introduced to Lalon music by the motivation of my Guru Moksed Ali Shai. Gradually, after getting introduced with the wonderful era of Lalon songs, I started getting into it. My Guruji Lalon Sain, his philosophy and also the Lalon songs themselves are my inspirations as well.
PHILOSOPHY
I strongly admire the philosophy of Lalon Sain ji. I think it has formed a different dimension to my life by which I can find an inner peace. Shatya Bol Shupothe Chol was the precious Lalon song which created my perception in life. I believe in honesty, sincerity and dedication. Hence, I always try to refrain myself from all the negativities.
VIEWS ON HER PROFESSION
Music is the image of life. It is both my passion and profession. Currently, I am inclined with Farida Parveen Foundation where the students can have the proper attachment with Lalon song and the philosophy of Guruji Lalon Sain. To me, learning music is not a short-term process. It is a matter of sorrow that our new generation is not interested in any long-term learning process; rather they prefer shortcuts to become famous. They should follow the footsteps of their honorable Gurus to become sustainable and successful singers. I would like to convey the message that the younger singers should take lessons from proper Gurus, do research as much as they can and always be sincere, passionate and dedicated to their work. Together, we should take the proper initiatives to encourage our young generation and uplift their taste in music.
BOOKS
The books of Rabindranath Tagore are on the top my favorite list. Also, I love to read poem books. Notably, the poems of Jibanananda Das are my all-time favorites.
FILMS
I have watched a lot of movies in my life. Among them, Shutorang, Neel Akasher Niche and Abirvab are some of my most favorite movies.
MUSIC
Since childhood, the mellifluous voices of Sandhya Mukhopadhyay enchanted me a lot. Moreover, I love listening to the songs of Pintu Bhattacharya, Manna Dey, Manabendra Mukhopadhyay, Shyamal Mitra, Hemanta Mukhopadhyay, Jaganmoy Mitra and Jatileswar Mukhopadhyay. Among the artistes of our country, Nilufar Yasmin, Ferdausi Rahman, Shahnaz Rahmatullah and Subir Nandi are some of my favorite singers. I also like the songs of Priyanka Gope, Bijon Mistry and Yusuf Ahmed Khan.
FUTURE PLANS
It was one of my agendas to establish an academy where Lalon songs would be practiced properly. Finally, with the blessings of the Almighty Allah, I have become successful in establishing it; an institution where students can learn Lalon songs. The academy has other sections where lessons on flute, guitar and other acoustic instruments are taught. It is a hidden aspiration of mine to open a new section where research on Lalon Sain's philosophy would be performed. I wish I could establish a university based on the philosophy of our great Guru Lalon Sain. It is one of my future plans to preserve the songs of Sain ji. I have already started taking some initiatives which includes making and preserving the notations of 100 Lalon songs.
IDOLS
As a Muslim, I believe in the ideologies of our beloved Prophet who was the messenger of the Almighty Allah. Then of course, my parents are my idols. Additionally, my Guruji, the great "Baul Samrat" Lalon Sain is my idol. Moreover, all my Gurus in my whole musical journey are my idols.