Bangladeshi Models

It was the early 1990s. Three music lovers and friends -- Shuvashish, Rony and Jacob -- wanted to form a band. They were later joined by fellow music enthusiast Mamun. Thus the band 'Commence' launched its musical voyage.

Till 2002 the band was in full gear and had several concerts in Dhaka. After 2002, the band went on a hiatus as two of its members went overseas for higher studies. However, Shuvashish and Jacob -- vocalist and bass guitarist respectively -- didn't give up. They decided to continue with a new line-up. New members are: Lalon (lead guitar), Paris (drums) and Kayum (keyboard).

At present the band's debut album is in the pipeline. Songs expected to be featured in the new album include "Bashanto kokil" and "Koshto amar". The songs have been aired on several TV channels.

About the new album, Shuvashish said, "Basically, we like mellow rock. Most of the songs in the album follow this sub- genre."

Apart from the new album, the band is also involved in stage shows. Commence also performs as 'opening acts' for leading/seasoned bands.

"We want to offer the listeners a distinct, fresh sound," said Shuvashish. Shuvashish and his band mates often play and rehearse with renowned musicians of the country including Piaru Khan, Fuad Naser Babu and Labu Rahman.

Everybody knows that two regents of music Fahmida Nabi and Samina Chowdhury are sisters. After long time two sisters are going to work in same album.

Even though two sisters have been singing for three decades they do not have any duet album. Perhaps they did few duet songs until now. This time, fans will get these two widely renowned artists in one album.

Why after so long? Answering to this question Fahmida Nabi said, ‘maybe because no production company took any initiative for so long. So this time we two sisters are going to bring out album by ourselves. Besides I was abroad for many years, for this reason also we have not worked in any album together.’

It came to knowledge this album is financed by world music, an audio production company owned by Samina Chowdhury’s husband, Ejaj Khan Swapan. Samina Chowdury said, I have been thinking of making such album for some time. The main thing is that at last the dream will be fulfilled.

Tune and music direction is taken care by Prince Mahmud and Bappa Majumdar. There is no need to introduce either Prince or Bappa. By now both of them managed to create original trend in the country. That is why it will not be a mistake to call this album great in advance. In total there will be 12 songs. Among those 6 songs, 3 each in Samina’ and Fahmida’s voice, will be original. Rest of the songs will be popular songs sang by two sisters in different times.

These old songs will be made with new music arrangements, informed Samina. These songs broadcasted in BTV are ‘Amaar Shob Shukhe Bubu’, Tomari Naam Shuvro’, ‘Chikichita’ etc.

Daughters of talented artist Mahmudunnabi, Fahmida Nabi and Samina Chowdhury are two among the artists, who presently practice genuine singing. Not only that, both of them played leading roles in enriching Bangla music. Right now both of them are at the peak of popularity.

Fahmida Nabi informed that work on music tracks of this untitled album is ongoing. After the work of music track is done, voice recording will start. It is assumed that if the work is completed within specified time then in coming Ramadan Eid this album will be marketed under the banner of production company world music.

Mila is really talked about among new generation singers. Two songs ‘Rupobane Nache Komor Dulaiya’ and ‘Bapuram Shapure’ from her album ‘Chapter-2’ are superhit.

Recently she has become model for Britol Bisquit. She is really busy with audio, video and stage. She came back after America tour. Here is an interview with Mila.

There is buzz all around about your marriage, groom is music director Fuad. Is this true?

Various types of rumors are spread about me. Marriage rumor is latest one. Fuad bhai is my respected music director. I cannot think of anything else. Right now I am at a turning point of my career. I will think about marriage after five years. I want to say something clearly that I will not marry anyone from media. Even if I love someone it will not be anyone from media.

Recently you put 40 lakh price tag for your third album from a company. Is it reasonable?

This is music market. My album is a product. I earn bread by doing music business. I can bargain with any company. They will buy the album with 40 lakh. And there is a misconception here. Everybody is thinking that I asked 40 lakh only for audio album. Nobody is talking about companies which with audio albums earn 3-4 times on video albums; I asked 40 lakh for both audio and video album.

What is the name of the third album? Who is the music director? How is it going to be?

Name of my third album is ‘Re/define’. As usual this album is Fuad featuring Mila. This album is a bit different from previous albums. But my audience will get what they want.

How was second America tour?

This time I went to America to take part in Dhaliwood award show. I did not know that immigrant Bangladeshis there like my songs so much. I was extremely happy to see their excitement about me. This time in America I did something amazing. I shot few music videos from new album in different locations of America. That will please my fans.

Your first solo ‘Fele Asha’ and ‘Chapter-2’ second solo album’s few songs became hit after release of video album. How important is the role of music video behind an album’s success?

It is true that ‘Fele Asha’ album’s ‘ Mela’, ‘Chera Paal’ and ‘Chapter-2’ album’s ‘Rupbane Nache Komor Dulaiya’ and ‘Bapuram Shapure’ became superhit after the release of videos. These songs are just about listening but also about seeing something. All around the world now famous artists’ audio/video are release together. Video CDs are more important than video CDs; because if video is bought then fans can listen and see their favorite artist simultaneously.

You are rather discussed more in make up, get up, style or fashion more than music. What do you think?

Look, it is normal that an artist would have own style. In whole world artists are the icons. I have not started being stylish after becoming artist. I am like this since childhood. My parents have no son. That is why they used to dress me up like a boy. I always used to wear pants, t-shirts or keep short hair like boys. Since childhood there is less feminine side inside me.

On stage you dance while singing like Britney and Madonna. From Bangladesh perspective how suitable is it?

My stage performance is like my songs. My fans also like it. Or else my albums would not have been hit. The demand for my music videos is at peak because fans accepted my performance with my songs more. I experience some kind of different feel when I get up on stage. I forget all painful memories in life. I feel if I am put on stage while dying then I will live.

Is Fuad going to direct music in all your albums?

Apart from Fuad bhai I worked with Bappa Mazumdar, Balam, Fuad Ibne Rabbi. With Fuad bhai’s music direction my album ‘Chapter-2’ became superhit. That is why he is doing the third album. I am interested to work with all talented music directors of new generation.

When will third album ‘Re/define’ will come to market?

The album work is at last stages. The company has been finalized. The album will come soon.

Many believe that Mila will not last long. What’s your opinion?

I did not come with sudden wave that I will go back with it. I started my journey from main roots of music. Since I came this far with singing, I can go long way ahead. But there are ups and downs in career. Somebody will come who is better than me. I am working with honesty. If Allah is not angry at me then no one can harm me.

Recently you have become model for Britol biscuit. How does it feel as a model?

In this commercial my ‘Rupoban’ song was used. Public liked this song. As a result people also liked the commercial. I think viewers liked me as a model.

How are you enjoying time after becoming popular?

I am like old times. Like old times I go to footpaths to eat chotpoti. I come out of house with dress that was on inside. Hang out with friends. Do not bother if someone recognizes me or not. I have two lives. One is personal and other professional. I never mix these two up.

In her 5 year career 10 albums got released. She also sang in plays and movies. She sang to Bappi Lahiri’s tuned and composed Hindi song. In the end her 10th album was released called “Moner Na Bola Kotha” in Ayub Bacchu’s tune and composition.

Five years ago her journey started with album “Moner Chotto Ghore”

Tenth album “Moner Na Bola Kotha” got released. What is the experience this time?

It feels really good. I am continuously learning, trying to perfect classical. I started my journey with music director Mannan Mohammad. Gradually I earned the experience of working with Rajesh, S. I. Tutul , Ayub Bacchu. In between I sang to the tune of renowned music director of subcontinent Bappi Lahiri. Working with different music director I got the opportunity to learn a lot.

Tell us something about “Moner Na Bola Kotha” in Ayub Bacchu’s tune and music.

Every song of this album really matches with the title. Whatever I could not say or do in previous nine albums, it was possible here. Ten songs are of ten different touches. It is a matter of luck to sing to Ayub Bacchu’s tune and music. I am his fan since childhood. Working on my album was a challenge for Bacchi Bhai. He created something new selflessly. In this album fans of every type of music will find a new Eva.

Which song of the album you liked most?

In this album Bacchu Bhai gave an amazing tune. With soft background music he composed a song titled ‘Bangladesh’. The lyric of the song is ‘মাগো যুগে যুগে এই মাটির বুকে কতো রাত জেগে হয় ভোর’. The song was added in the end of documentary on Freedom Fighting directed by ATN Bangla’s Chairman. The strange thing is, the war took place in 1971. In spite of that the song blended really well with documentary in 2009.

When you started five years ago, did you think back then that tenth album will come out?

At the beginning I had no confidence. I started learning to sing since I was 5/6 years old. Did not have practice for long time. After marriage inspired by my husband ATN Chairman Dr. Mahfujur Rahman I started again; had to digest many criticisms on this. Then I took up a challenge inside. Slowly started to build myself up. The more people criticize the more I express my confidence. Now many praise my singing.

Most of the critics raise questions about your singing talent. How confident are you about yourself?

Only because I have talent it’s slowly getting expressed. If it was possible to be an artist or sing without talent then every channel owners’ wives would become artists. Since the very start severe criticisms about me have been taking place. If they listen to my tenth album then all of their criticisms will stop. I did not become an artist out of hobby. And I do not want to be an artist by competing. I sing for self satisfaction.

What sort of criticisms do you hear more?

Strange criticisms have been done about me. Why I sing with saree on, why I am not wearing modern dresses, why my songs are not telecasted in any channel except ATN, etc. Perhaps the critics do not that everything is done according to my liking.

But they do show you more in ATN.

But now you can see me less. In fact every artist’s channel is ATN. If they show me a lot then I call up and shut the transmission.

Out of ten albums in which album you were satisfied singing?

To be honest full pleasure does not come from any album. It feels like a mistake remained.

Your album “Ishq Diwana” with Bappi Lahiri’s tune and music became popular. You even sang with him on same stage. What is your feeling?

Most probably Allah is really pleased with me. I got many things without even asking. He is a human being of big quality. I was not able to sing infront of him. During recoding in Kolkata he gave me strength by saying, just imagine that everyone is family member, you are singing in the drawing room. Then I started singing comfortably.

In a year two of your solo albums come out. Is there a reason behind it?

My albums come out centered around two eids. With songs of my solo album one hour program is telecasted in two eids. The sponsor money for this program was raised to maximum of 55 lakh. And my fans look forward to these programs in two eids.

What are the albums coming out ahead?

A solo album is getting worked on with Rajesh’s tune. Moreover in Ayub Bacchu’s tune two more solo albums will come. Bacchu Bhai is taking time and working on something different.

Who do you listen to in Bangladesh?

Songs of Runa Laila, Sabina Yasmin and Samina Chowdhury are always played at my home. Sabina apa has such a voice that it does not require music. Besides that I listen to Shubir Nandi, Andrew Kishor and Lucky Akhondo.

A lot of change can be heard in your voice now. How is it possible?

This change first comes in Rajesh’s tune. Then more change comes in tunes S. I. Tutul and Ayub Bacchu. Besides I am learning something new from Ostaad Shamsul Huda. So fans will get some more improvements.

For every album you have a music video. Are you doing this by plan?

Every solo album of mine has DVD. The work on DVD is done according to my plans. Like Moner Kotha Na Bola, Ishq Diwana, Moner Tulite Aki, Montori, all these DVDs were under my plan. I enjoy doing this work.

Are you doing anything else besides singing?

I am working as a producer in ATN Bangla. I direct programs on special days. I produced a play called “Halkhata” on Boishakh. A series program on Kazi Nazrul is run on ATN. I am enjoying these works.

Popular Mumbai singer-presenter Shaan came to Bangladesh for the second time on Friday. Yesterday evening he over whelmed Dhaka’s song lovers at Dhaka China Friendship Conference Center. And previously on Friday he recorded two songs for two movies, one of Shohanur Rahman Shohan and other of Debashish. The summary of long chat with this Bangla spoken popular person has been presented here.

What is your feeling about Dhaka-Bangladesh?

In one sentence I feel good. I guess being a Bengali and speaking Bangla wholeheartedly is of highest state. Foreign or abroad there is not much opportunity to speak in Bangla like this. And speaking of Bangladesh I would say, I have been hearing about this country since childhood through my parents.

In Jessore my grandfather was an accountant of a land owner of that time. So family relationship with Jessore was for long time. Considering all these you can understand my feelings towards Bangladesh.

This is probably your second tour.

Yes, but I came here 5/6 years ago on personal invitation from BMW. In that way this is my first public tour. I can say that this is my first official tour of Bangladesh.

This time one of the top five from ‘Sa Re Ga Ma’ Manisha is with you.

Yes Manisha did come. She also sings amazingly. But with me my band members came. They are with me for 7/8 years. I kept the name of the band ‘The Groove’.

You said you have lots of family related feelings with Bangladesh. How is your idea about Bangladeshi music?

It is not supposed to be good. Because for last few years I only sang. Did not get the opportunity to listen at all. But that does not mean I know nothing about Bangladeshi music. For example I listened to lots of Bangladeshi folk music in both Hindi and Bangla. Besides your James, who sang in Hindi made quite a spark there. And before that I heard and listened to Runa Laila, Momtaz and Miles as a band.

Along with stage show you also sang playback for two movies to Shaokot Ali Emon’s tune.

I did. All of a sudden. Probably this is not the first time. Quite long time back I probably sang for one movie here, but cannot properly remember.

The difference between Mumbai playback and Bangladesh playback must be vast

No, I would not really say that. And it does not require to be said. But I felt good singing these two songs.

Can you remember of one or two popular Bangladeshi songs?

I even forget my own songs. You will notice it when I get up on stage. In the middle of my many songs I get by doing ‘La la la’. But I still remember 2-3 Bangladeshi songs well. Even the tune. Like ‘Bondhu tin din tor barit gelam’, ‘Dam Dam Mast Kalandar’, ‘Shadher Lau’ etc. I think all of them are by Runa Laila. Why not, I think of her as ambassador of Bangladesh.

Dhaka to Kolkata. What differences do you see?

Bangla is over there and also here. There is not much difference. However as far as I heard biriyani is tasty and sharee is beautiful over here.

As a Bengali you are ruling Mumbai. At the moment you are playback number one. With this you have the spark of a presenter. What do you say?

Actually there is nothing to say. You called me number one, I am happy and suppressed it. But the problem is in this era there is no such thing as number one, number two. It is not a big deal because becoming popular or number one is a matter of short time. Now there is a lack of good songs. And I have been presenting for last seven years. But I decided not to host a reality show anymore.

Why?

I have many regrets about this; because for some reason everything else is happening but I am not finding a perfect artist. I have promised people so much every year but see so far not a single artist could do much. In exchange of this people are entertained and we are buying houses and cars, that is it. Hence I do not find any reason to work for such a meaningless job.

Then are you against reality shows?

No, I would not say that. But sky high promises should not be given through these shows.

You also act.

I don’t. I have acted in one movie in my entire life. So while doing it I took my girlfriend to the spot. After returning from there she told me, I have only one demand from you, do not act anymore. Because I want to keep my head high in society. Instead continue with your music. I was quite shock to hear that. That means nothing is right about my acting. Since then that chapter is closed.

In the end are you going to say anything towards Bangladesh as in Dhaka?

I love Bangladesh. I want to come here again and again given an opportunity. Among the crowd of Hindi-English I want to have long chats in Bangla again and again. That’s all I hope for.

Sunday was the Father’s day. Banglavision invited two top celebrities- Ferdous Wahid and Habib (his son) to the show Amar Ami. Munmun is the host of the show. Ferdous Wahid was talking about it.

Which topic was the prime topic of your discussions today?

Definitely the relationship between father and son. Previously the dads used to stay away from their sons, but now the situation is different. Now they can discuss about anything freely. Because of this a complicated task can be completed very easily

Since both of you are singers, you must have sung some songs too?

I sung Habib’s song in the show. Habib sand with me too. At our times we had all acousic musical instruments. And now its era of digital music. We have talked about the pros and cons of it. If you have noticed this, previously out of ten singers, almost 8 were around for a long time, but now it is hard to find even one or two.

When did you sing your popular song ‘Mamunia’?

The song is almost 35 years old. The song is still popular now as it was then. I really wanted to sing a song for the kids, Mohammad Nurul Huda was a magistrate then, he agreed to write a song like this. Mamunia is a word that was added by me. Lucky Akhand gaev the music. It took us only three days to make the song.

What about the song ‘Emon ekti ma de na’?

The song is about the same age, just six months different. We wanted to do something different from the mother songs back then. Dr. Nasir Ahmed Opu wrote the song keeping it in mind. His only request was that the song should sound modern. But here the term ‘ma’ denoted the country.

Sonia is one of the successful stars of 2005 Close Up One competition. Recently she came back from Europe-America tour.

In 2005 after the end of Close Up One two solo albums of yours came out ‘Nithur Bashi’ and ‘Bhebe Nebo’. What is the news about the albums?

Audience liked both of my albums. As audience liked it so songs like ‘Nithur Bashi’, ‘Bazare Bazare Dhol Aar Dhaak/Elore Pohela Boishakh’, ‘Shara Banglai Khuji Tomar’ from the album ‘Nithur Bashir’ and from album ‘Bhebe Nebo’ songs like ‘Taar Lagi Mon Purey Jai’, ‘Diwana’, ‘Jaa Mon Pakhi Ure Ja’ became superhit. All in all two albums are of two types. ‘Nithur Bashi’ is commercial folk and ‘Bhebe Nebo’ is suitable for current time. In two albums ‘Nithur Bashir’ in the tune of Shaokot Ali Imon and ‘Bhebe Nebo’ in the tune Hridoy Khan audience found an independent Sonia.

You came 4th in 2005 close up one competition. This type of singing competitions is taking place almost in every channel. What do you think about the necessity of so many competitions?

First of all, the aim of these competitions is to promote Bangla music. To revive songs from old days. After Close Up One interest of learning music among new generation increased. Youths are not practicing more of Bangla songs. But this also has to be said that this type of contests are nothing by commercial concepts. As a result channels are competing to organize contests. But it has to be remembered that no contest can give birth to an artist. No competition can create artists like Runa Laila or Sabina Yasmin. Artists are born. It would have been better if Close Up One competition is organized once in 5-10 years. If you just notice that except Salma all other artists came through 2005 Close Up One competition. After that no singer came up through any other show.

After Close Up One competition you have been singing independently. Why are you doing this?

I am forever in debt to Close Up One. In last 4 years the way I went ahead would not have been possible without Close Up One. After coming out of Close Up I took some independent steps. I did not want to remain within any constraints. I always wanted to be present among audience. That is why I have been able to strengthen my position. I do not know if anyone from Close Up done that.

How satisfied are you with your position?

I am really happy with my position. That is why right now I am able to think where I will be in 20 years. I want to be a legend in Bangladesh. Within entity of an artist I want to be unique person.

As an artist of this generation how aware are you about the social responsibilities?

I am an idol. This is nothing but a blessing of Allah. That day I went to Dhaka Cambrian College. All the girls came rushing at the sight of me. They really noticed what sort of clothes I wear, how I walk, how I talk and so on. My favorite color is red. When I went to do show in Las Vegas I saw that curtains, bedsheets as in everything is red in houses of Bangla community. I was amazed. They have been decorating their houses for one month because of my arrival. I understood that artists carry social responsibilities. Compared to an ordinary person a celebrity affects the society much more. That is why a successful artist needs to be serious about social responsibilities.

At this phase of the career how serious are you about your stage and album?

Demands for me on stage are increasing day by day. That is why I am very serious about stage. On the other hand I am not in favor of bringing out albums every year. I want to arrange properly and gift audience a beautiful new solo album. I have started to work on that album. Unless I am satisfied this album is not coming to the market.

Many think that you don’t have original songs. What is your opinion on this issue?

A number of my original songs have been released. Like ‘Shara Bangla’, ‘Moner-e Taney’, ‘Bondhu Premer-e Taney’, ‘Khuji Tomare’, ‘Shukh Amaar Shoilona’, these songs are always popular on stage with audience.

What is your opinion about present day’s changed music?

Whenever an old song is remade it is always a hit. That is why I say old songs will always live. The change that is taking place now is accepted more by urban audience. But I have one question, what is in the changed music? I always think about with what songs audience is accepting me.