Interview with Shabnam Mushtari

Though Shabnam Mushtari’s forte is Nazrul Geeti or Nozrul Sangeet (the Songs of Kazi Nazrul Islam) she is equally known for her “raga” based Semi-Classical Songs, Ghazals (Lyric Songs) and “Adhunik” (Classic Standard Pop) Songs. Her hard work in the field of Nazrul Geeti has not only earned her fame but also has also given her a national iconic status. Shabnam has been honored with the highest state award - Ekushey Padak for her contribution to the field of music.

Born to a well-respected family that is considered elite – they were always socially aware and active in social works, with rich cultural heritage, deeply philosophical… Her father the late Poet Talim Hossain (Founder of Nuzrul Academy, Dhaka) and mother Editor Begum Mafruha Chowdhury are both eminent in the fields of literature and journalism, are the main architects of Shabnam Mushtari’s career. Ms. Mushtari has studied English and Bangla literature at the University of Dhaka. She has been actively associated with the Nazrul Academy, Dhaka and member of the executive committee of this noble institution.

She has traveled widely carrying the treasure of golden music of national poet of Bangladesh Qazi Nazrul Islam. She has performed a lot of concerts home and aboard. The singer has had the privilege of performing solo in the house of commons in England. People have enjoyed her interviews with BBC, VOA, AsiaNet, DorDarshan of India… Shabnam believed that being a singer is like being a cultural embassador, she has visited many countries including the USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Iraq, Oman, India, Pakistan, Mayanmar etc. Her hobbies are listening music, reading books and cooking delicious foods.

In the late 1960s, Shabnam Mushtari emerged as one of the most accomplished Nazrul singers. Shabnam’s renditions of “Laili tomar eshechhey phiria,” “Amaye nohego bhalobasho shudhu” and “Shobar kotha koiley kobi” have fetched her much acclaim among Nazrul Sangeet aficionados. Shabnam is also vocal about the lack of proper evaluation of Nazrul’s timeless creations.

How important is it for a singer to comprehend the essence of a song?
Shabnam: Any good song essentially contains a literary allusion. It is most important for an artiste to comprehend the true meaning of a song, which is contained in its lyrics. Without it, the rendition becomes flawed and fails to touch the listener’s heart.

Your fans would remember you for…
Shabnam: That is for them to say. However, I feel that I have tried to popularise many melodious compositions by our National Poet.

You never leave home without…
Shabnam: The inevitable traffic jams bore me to death. So, I never forget to keep newspaper and my favourite collection of songs, ranging from ghazals, to golden oldies.

When did you last lose your temper?
Shabnam: I’m basically calm and don’t go ballistic easily. However, I do have a grudge against the poor or misrepresentation of our National Poet at state programmes. Nazrul was a creative genius. He has composed songs covering every aspect of human nature.

Best compliment you have received so far…
Shabnam: That I’m elegant, dignified, well rounded and have a melodious voice.

Interesting fan mail…
Shabnam: Once I received a mail from a fan in which he mentioned that he had taped my cover of “Laili tomar eshechey phiria” on both sides of a cassette and he played it throughout the day for months.

An ideal day for you is…
Shabnam: When I wake up early in the morning, feeling well rested. I say my prayers, then sit for my routine reyaaz, and look forward to my performance in the evening. This would be the perfect day for me.

What is your opinion on the current trend of making music videos of Nazrul songs?
Shabnam: The current trend of music videos has both positive and negative aspects. Since the poet himself loved and had acted in films, I believe there shouldn’t be any objection to music videos. However, preference should be given to the total impact of the composition — lyrics, tune and the emotion of the song. Garish outfits and outlandish presentation do not in any way represent the Bengali culture.

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