Runa Laila is one of the greatest singers in the Subcontinent. Recently she has completed 50 years of her singing career. To celebrate Runa’s journey in the filed of music, Entourage Entertainment is going to arrange a concert titled Celebration of Music at Hall of Fame of Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on April 10.
Besides Runa Laila, popular Indian singer KK and Pakistani singer, model and actor Fawad Khan will also perform in the concert.
CEO of Entourage Entertainment Samreen Islam Ahmed talked with The New Nation’s Entertainment page Editor Sheikh Arif Bulbon about the arrangements of the concert. Here is the interview:
NN: When you planned to arrange a concert on Runa Laila?
Samreen: Last year under the arrangement of SAARC a cultural programme was held in Dhaka’s Hotel Lake Shore. During that time the plan was taken place in my mind and I shared it with my London expatriate friend Esha. Then I decided to arrange a celebration concert on Runa Laila to pay tribute to her recognition in the field of music and also to celebrate 50 years of her musical career. In fact, ‘Runa Laila is our pride.’
NN: How Runa Laila’s songs create an impact in your mind?
Samreen: From my childhood I was fond of Runa Laila’s songs. Her songs inspired me a lot. Once I wanted to render song. Due to time constraint I couldn’t render song. Once my father late Bobi Islam stayed in Karachi due to his professional works. During that time Runa Laila’s mother was introduced with my father. Later, we had a family relationship with her. Runa’s daughter Tani is my good friend.
NN: Two singers from India and Pakistan will perform in Runa Laila’s concert. What’s about them?
Samreen: Indian singer KK is going to perform in Bangladesh for third time by this concert. Pakistani singer, model and actor Fawad Khan will also perform in the concert for first time. There will be a surprise for the audience in the concert. ‘It will be something different, something special.’
NN: Once you were engaged with modelling?
Samreen: Yes. It was in 1992. My elder sister Nawrin was working at Faisons. During that time I yet not completed O-Level from BIT. Once I went to my elder sister’s office. A screen test was taken place there during that time for a TV commercial (TVC). After many requests, I was selected to perform as a model after facing the test. Under Afzal Hossain’s direction I performed in the TVC of Peps Gel toothpaste. It was made by Adcom. It was not only first work on the screen for me but also it was first directed TVC by Afzal Hossain.
Photo: Ziauddin Alam
