THROUGH THE EYES OF SAMINA CHOWDHURY
As a leading exponent of modern music in Bangladesh, Samina Chowdhury has carved her place in the music industry with her magical voice. She is the daughter of the prominent singer Mahmudun Nabi, the younger sister of the eminent singer Fahmida Nabi and also the elder sister of the popular musician Pancham. She lent her honeyed voice in many popular songs such as 'Jonmo Theke Jolchi Mago', 'Amar Buker Moddhyekhane', 'Amar Dui Chokhe Dui Nodi', 'Ekbar Jodi Keu', 'Kobita Porar Prohor', 'Phool Phote Phool Jhore' and many more. She was a judge in the music reality show CloseUp 1 on NTV. Samina Chowdhury has been admired as one of the most popular playback singers of Bangladesh, and has achieved many prestigious awards including the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer (2006), Bachsas Award for Best Female Singer (1981) and Meril Prothom Alo Award for Best Female Singer (2005).
INSPIRATION
I cannot mention just one name as my inspiration. Whoever loves my songs and loves me is my inspiration! My audiences and their love and respect for me are the biggest inspirations and achievements of my life. I am favored with an extremely cultural bloodline since both my father and mother used to sing beautifully. My siblings are also inclined towards music so as a whole my family is my inspiration. Since childhood I have learned how to play guitar and keyboard, and was blessed with many prominent artists visiting our home. Their influence may have been another reason behind my journey with music. Moreover, I have always been a die-hard fan of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. They greatly inspired me to sing and still now, I adore it.
PHILOSOPHY
I like to live life as simple as possible. I believe in honesty and think that truthfulness is mandatory in achieving the basic values of life. We all should have some moral and ethical guidelines so that we can live peacefully. Parents are our blessings on earth who bestrew the seeds of morality in us, so everyone should love and respect their parents. It should be mentioned that I am a perfectionist and I always try to finish my work properly. And of course, I have always been very grateful to the Almighty for everything I have achieved in life.
VIEWS ON HER PROFESSION
To me, art is a valuable practice and it comes in many different forms. Singing, dancing, painting, reciting and all other forms are all unique in their own special ways. Music is an indistinguishable element of my life and is a lot like an invocation. In my view, effectively utilizing the combination of voice, skill and dedication can make a singer successful. It is also very important to possess a strong personality and be committed to co-workers, seniors and the people of our country. Art is reflected through an artist's behavior, thoughts and overall characteristics. In my opinion, a person who sings well can be a singer; but to be an artist, they must wear the grace of art. Some of our younger artists are doing really well and I appreciate their effort. They have a lot of responsibilities as they are the future mentors of our country. I always try to inspire them to learn new skills, hone their singing voice and follow the path of senior artists to find success as an artist.
BOOKS
I love reading story books. Among all, the books of the Nobel Laureate Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore are on the top of my favorite list. I cannot express in words how much I love reading his books!
FILMS
I enjoy movies a lot. Jibon Theke Neya is one of my most favorite Bengali movies. Whenever I watch it, it always feels new. Harano Sur and Umrao Jaan are also my favorite movies. I also like western movies. I love to watch cartoons as well, especially fairy tales which still enchant me a lot! Among fairy tales, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is one of my favorites.
MUSIC
I love listening to various kinds of music. But my weakness for the songs of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle cannot be described in words. Among Bangladeshi singers, I strongly admire the songs of my father, the great musicologist, Mahmudun Nabi. I have been researching his precious songs. Additionally, I love listening to the songs of our honorable Farida Parveen, Shahnaz Rahmatullah and my beloved sister, Fahmida Nabi.
FUTURE PLANS
I haven't planned much for the future. All I want to do is just be with music. But I do have an agenda of setting up a trust fund called the Mahmudun Nabi Trust. It is also a secret desire of mine to establish a music school named Mahmudun Nabi Sangeet Niketan. For the rest of my life, I want to sing more and spread the glory of Bangladeshi music all over the world.
IDOLS
I greatly admire the ideologies of my mother. Her unique personality and values always amaze me. The legends Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle are also my idols. They greatly inspired me to move forward in my musical journey.