Popular singer Baby Naznin is celebrating her birthday today, but there is little room for celebration this year. As fans and well-wishers flood social media with greetings, the singer known as the “Black Diamond” has only one request: prayers for her younger brother, journalist Enam Sarkar, who is battling cancer.
Enam has been receiving treatment at Bangladesh Medical University Hospital for several months. His prolonged illness has left the family deeply worried. The situation has also taken an emotional toll on Baby Nazneen, leaving her with little thought for her own birthday.
Naznin said she does not usually celebrate her birthday on a large scale. This year, however, the circumstances are different. With the family distressed over Enam’s condition, she has asked her fans, well-wishers and acquaintances to pray to the Almighty for his recovery.
For more than four decades, Baby Naznin has remained a prominent name in Bangladesh’s music scene. Known for her distinctive voice and singing style, she earned the nickname “Black Diamond” and is also known as the “Doyel of North Bengal”. She has sung extensively for films, television, radio and stage productions, performing both in Bangladesh and abroad.
Songs such as Elomelo Batase Uriyechi Sharir Anchal, Kal Sara Raat Chhilo Shopner-o Raat, Duchokhe Ghum Ashe Na, Manush Nishpap Prithibite Ashe, Oi Rongdhonu Theke, Patramita, Morar Kokile, Ar Koto Din, Loke Bole Amar Ghore Naki Chand Utheche and Priyotoma remain popular among listeners. Her contribution to music has earned her numerous awards and honours, including the National Film Award.
Despite renewed opportunities in music and cultural work after her return, neither career now occupies the centre of her thoughts. Her attention remains focused on her younger brother.
Enam Sarkar is also a familiar figure in Bangladesh’s media industry. He has worked in journalism for nearly three decades, including at the weekly Purnima, Dainik Janakantha and Daily Inqilab. Most recently, he served as news editor at SA TV. He also serves as president of the Cultural Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (CJFB).
Artists often use their birthdays to speak about achievements, new projects and future plans. Baby Nazneen’s birthday story this year is different. Amid countless messages of love and greetings, her thoughts remain with her brother in a hospital bed.
Her request is simple: “Please pray for my brother.”
