Singer and presenter Dithi Anwar has paid tribute to two of Bangladesh’s most celebrated vocalists, Runa Laila and Sabina Yasmin, by performing four of their popular songs on RTV’s musical programme ‘Ei Raat Tomar Amar’.
Dithi recorded the performances at RTV’s studio on 25 October, continuing her long association with the programme. She hosted the show for five consecutive years before stepping away to focus on other commitments. Since then, she has returned on several occasions as a guest singer at the channel’s invitation.
For her latest appearance, Dithi selected four songs originally performed by the two legendary singers. They were ‘Phool Jodi Jhore Giye Ajke Raate’ from the film ‘Anarkali’ and ‘Rongdhonu Chhoriye Chetonar Akashe’ from ‘Bashundhara’, both sung by Sabina Yasmin; ‘Prem Jeno Ek Chhotto Chithi’ from ‘Mehman’, performed by Runa Laila and Khandaker Faruk Ahmed; and ‘Mon Chay Protidin Tumi Ami Ekdin’ from ‘Manoshi’, sung by Runa Laila.
Gazi Mazharul Anwar wrote the lyrics for the first two songs, with music composed by Satya Saha. He also wrote the lyrics for ‘Prem Jeno Ek Chhotto Chithi’, which was composed by Anwar Parvez. The same lyricist-composer duo created ‘Mon Chay Protidin Tumi Ami Ekdin’.
Dithi said she received an overwhelming response during her five-year stint as the programme’s host, with viewers at home and abroad continuing to remember her for the role. Although she still receives requests to return as presenter, her busy schedule and personal plans leave her with limited time for hosting.
She described RTV as one of her favourite television channels and said she tries to accept its invitations whenever possible.
“This time, I performed songs by our two living legends, respected Runa aunty and Sabina aunty. As always, all the songs were written by my father. I feel truly fortunate that whenever I have performed on different television channels, all or nearly all of the songs have been written by him,” Dithi said.
She added that singing her father’s lyrics gives her a special emotional connection to the music.
“It creates a different kind of affection for the songs, as if my father continues to live through them and through the words he wrote. Thank you, RTV,” she said.
