National Film Award-winning singer Kanak Chapa celebrated her 57th birthday at home on Friday by cutting a cake with her two granddaughters.
Kanak Chapa, whose real name is Rumana Morshed, had wanted to spend her birthday quietly without any major celebration. However, her family’s love turned the day into a special occasion.
She returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after performing at stage shows in Italy, Sweden and London for several consecutive days. She had wanted to celebrate her birthday in her home country this year.
Speaking about her birthday, Kanak Chapa said she had returned safely after completing her shows abroad. She said she felt deeply touched by the growing respect and love she receives from people and admitted that she could never repay the love of her listeners.
Before her birthday, the singer had said she had no special plans for the day. Her daughter used to arrange everything for her birthday, but she now lives abroad.
Her son is a little shy, while her daughter-in-law helps with cooking. Kanak Chapa said she preferred to spend the day quietly, although that had never really been possible because of the love of her family and fans.
In the end, she celebrated at home with her two granddaughters. The small family gathering brought extra joy to her special day.
Kanak Chapa married music director and composer Moinul Islam Khan on 6 December 1984. They have a son, Faizul Islam Khan, and a daughter, Faria Islam Khan. She has five grandchildren, while her daughter’s family currently lives in Australia.
Kanak Chapa also said some of her fans like to surprise her on her birthday without informing her in advance. She had expected a similar surprise this year.
The singer has never been hesitant about her age. As she turned 57, she said age is not a burden and that the greatest truth is that a birthday is simply a number.
September 11 has always been special to Kanak Chapa. Expressing gratitude for her life, she said she loves the date and remains thankful to Allah for keeping her in this beautiful world. She also asked everyone to pray for her and said she prays for everyone.
Born on 11 September 1969 in Shantibagh, Dhaka, Kanak Chapa has deep emotional ties with Kazipur in Sirajganj, where her ancestral home was located.
Although she was born and raised in Dhaka, she spent part of her childhood in Kazipur. She said many of her childhood memories are connected to the area and that even though her ancestral home was lost to the Jamuna River, every house in Kazipur feels like her own.
Kanak Chapa has worked across several genres, including film songs, modern songs, Nazrul Sangeet and folk music. During her career spanning more than three decades, she has lent her voice to more than 3,000 film songs. She has also released 35 solo albums.
Among her many popular songs are ‘Je Prem Swargo Theke Eshe’, ‘Tumi Amar Emoni Ekjon’, ‘Onek Sadhonar Pore Ami’, ‘Ananta Prem Tumi Dao Amake’, ‘Tumi Mor Jiboner Bhabona’, ‘Tomake Chai Shudhu Tomake Chai’, ‘Bhalo Achhi Bhalo Theko’, ‘Amar Nakeri Phool Bole’, ‘Tomay Dekhle Mone Hoy’ and ‘Akash Chhuyechhe Matike’.
She has won the National Film Award three times for her contribution to music. She has also received the BACHSAS Film Award, Darshak Forum Award, Producers Association Award and several other honours.
Besides music, Kanak Chapa has a strong interest in literature. Several of her books have been published, including Sthobir Jajabor, Mukhommukhi Joddha and Megher Danay Chore.
Her biographical book Kata Ghuri was published in 2020. She has also written columns for several national newspapers.
Kanak Chapa has also been involved in social and political activities. She joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 2014 and contested the 2018 national election from the Sirajganj-1 constituency as a BNP-nominated candidate.
At the time, she held a press conference in Bogura, alleging that she had faced obstacles during her election campaign and received death threats.
She later also alleged that she had faced difficulties in working as an artist during the Awami League government. These claims were reported at different times as her own statements.
However, above all her other identities, Kanak Chapa’s strongest identity remains that of a singer. For more than three decades, countless songs in her voice have won the hearts of listeners and created a lasting bond across generations.
Instead of a grand celebration, Kanak Chapa chose to cut a cake with her two granddaughters in a homely setting. After her busy schedule on stages at home and abroad, spending her 57th birthday surrounded by family has given the singer another cherished memory in her long musical journey.
