I never had the desire to sing: Samina Chowdhury

Samina Chowdhury is a renowned singer of Bangladesh who has captivated audiences with her extraordinary music throughout her career. Some of her iconic songs such as 'Kabita Parar Prahar Eseche', 'Phul Phote Phul Jhare', 'Ei Jaduta Satti Hoye Jeto', 'Amar Garur Garite Bou Sajiye' and 'Oi Jhinuk Phota Sagor Belay' have gained immense popularity and won the hearts of countless listeners. Despite the challenging times, Samina Chowdhury has maintained her integrity and continued to produce exceptional music. In a recent interview with Mahmud Hossain of The Daily Messenger, Samina Chowdhury spoke about various aspects of her life and career.

The Daily Messenger (TDM): We would like to know about your beginnings. What kind of music did an eighth-grade girl sing and listen to in 1981?

Samina Chowdhury: My elder sister Fahmida was more interested in music than my father, and she used to sing all day. She had a passion for music since childhood. She was very enthusiastic about music and wanted to sing. I, on the other hand, never had the desire to sing.

TDM: Did your father never ask you to sing?

Samina Chowdhury: Our father used to sit with us, but I wasn't interested in learning music. He was very sad with my lack of interest. Lucky Akhand used to come to our home. Watching him play the keyboard on the harmonium, I became very fond of it and also developed a penchant for acting.

TDM: Did you act on television?

Samina Chowdhury: I acted in a children's drama for television in 1981. Later, my sister Fahmida and one of my aunts submitted my name for Natun Kuri. I eventually secured the first position in this competition by singing the only song I had learned so far. One day, Alauddin uncle (renowned musician Alauddin Ali) came and took me with him. After preparing the song ‘Janmo Theke Jalchi’, he suddenly said, “Suma (my nickname), sing this song,” and I sang it. Then he asked me to sing 'Ekbar Jodi Keu Bhalobasto'. After that, Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul came, and I got involved with his work. I lent my vocals to 'Amar Garur Garite Bou Sajiye' for the film ‘Ankhi Milon’. Since then, music has never left me, no matter how much I may leave it.

TDM: You had the opportunity to work with renowned composers like Alauddin Ali, Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul, and Lucky Akhand at such a young age.

Samina Chowdhury: I didn't work much with Alauddin Ali; we only did two or three songs. I had more work with Bulbul Bhai because he wanted to work a lot.

TDM: What makes Lucky Akhand stand out as a composer?

Samina Chowdhury: He used to play the keyboard on the harmonium, and I became enamoured with that. As a result, my hands were prepared for playing music. I took control of the keyboard and chords, even though I never learned them traditionally. At that time, a touch of modern music was infused into my voice without my knowledge. And when Lucky uncle made me sing, I was able to do it because his style was already ingrained in me. Then songs like ‘Kabita Parar Prahar’ and ‘Amay Dekona’ were created.

TDM: Share your thoughts on the late Kausar Ahmed Chaudhury and his work.

Samina Chowdhury: Kausar uncle was an exceptional songwriter who had a gift for creating songs with simple yet profound lyrics. His words were truly remarkable and always resonated with me and his work has had a significant impact on my music. His work will always hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers.

TDM: You won an award for doing playback in the film ‘Janmo Theke Jalchi’.

Samina Chowdhury: I won the Bacchus Award for Best Female Vocalist, the National Film Award for 'Amar Majhe Nei Ekhon Ami' in 2006, and the Meril-Prothom Alo Award for Best Female Singer in 2005."

TDM: Who were some of the artistes that influenced you when you were growing up?

Samina Chowdhury: As a child, I listened to a lot of music and was inspired by many great artists. Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle were two of my biggest inspirations, and I still listen to their music regularly.

TDM: You had the opportunity to meet Asha Bhosle. Can you share the story of that meeting with us?

Samina Chowdhury: Meeting Asha Bhosle was a dream come true for me. I had always admired her and was in awe of her incredible talent. When I finally met her, we sang duets together and chatted for over an hour. Towards the end of our meeting, I asked if I could touch her throat, and she kindly allowed me to. It was a truly unforgettable experience.

TDM: Tell us about your latest song, 'Chhowa Ki Jai Barale Haat'.

Samina Chowdhury: 'Chhowa Ki Jai Barale Haat' is a beautiful song written and composed by Suchita Nahid Salam, who is based in Canada. Sazzad Kabir created a wonderful music arrangement for it, and I myself recorded and edited the video for the song. It can be enjoyed on my official YouTube channel, Samina Chowdhury Official YouTube Channel.

TDM: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.

Samina Chowdhury: Thank you for having me, and my best wishes to The Daily Messenger.