A chance meeting brought three singers from different generations together near Dhaka recently. Popular folk singer Dilruba Khan, singer Swaralipi and Homayra Bashir, daughter of the late legendary musician Bashir Ahmed, shared a joyful moment during their encounter.
Dilruba Khan remains a familiar name to Bangladeshi music lovers. Her hit song Pagol Mon continues to enjoy a special place among listeners. She also performs at various events whenever opportunities arise. Alongside folk music, she has contributed to modern Bengali songs and film soundtracks.
Dilruba began her professional music career in 1986. Early in her career, she gained widespread recognition with Dui Bhuboner Dui Bashinda, which she performed for television. In the early 1990s, Dekha Aricha Ghate brought her further popularity. Her career reached another milestone in 1991 with the release of Pagol Mon, Mon Re, which became one of her most popular and widely discussed songs.
After an absence of around 25 years from film playback singing, Dilruba returned to the format in 2019. She recorded Jan Re for the children’s film Payrar Chithi. Nishith Surya wrote and composed the song and directed the film, while Mushfiq Litu arranged the music.
Dilruba also shares a family connection with singer Swaralipi, a popular voice among younger listeners. She maintains a close relationship with Homayra Bashir, the daughter of the late legendary singer Bashir Ahmed.
The three singers met in an area near Dhaka a few days ago, creating a warm and cheerful moment together.
Homayra Bashir said she was delighted to meet Dilruba again after a long time. “It felt wonderful to meet Dilruba aunty after so long,” she said.
Swaralipi also reflected on the joy of meeting people close to her. “Whenever I meet people dear to me, I have a wonderful time. But the time passes so quickly,” she said.
