Prominent singer Kanak Chapa has taken her fans on a nostalgic journey by sharing a rare childhood photograph from her participation in Bangladesh Television’s iconic talent hunt programme Notun Kuri in 1977.
The vintage black-and-white photograph, posted on her Facebook page on Wednesday, shows a young Kanak Chapa posing for what appears to be an identification photograph during the competition. The image bears handwritten Bengali text mentioning Notun Kuri ’77, offering a glimpse into the singer’s early days long before she became one of the country’s most celebrated musical voices.
The post quickly drew attention from followers, many of whom reminisced about the golden era of Bangladesh Television and the cultural significance of Notun Kuri.
For Kanak Chapa, the photograph represents the beginning of a remarkable artistic journey. The singer, born Rumana Morshed, was among the talented children who found a platform through the programme, which has long been regarded as a breeding ground for future stars in Bangladesh’s cultural arena.
Launched on Bangladesh Television in the 1970s, Notun Kuri became one of the country’s most influential talent competitions for children. The programme provided opportunities for young performers in music, dance, acting and recitation, helping discover and nurture generations of artistes.
Over the years, many prominent singers, actors and cultural figures emerged from the platform, but Kanak Chapa remains one of its most notable success stories. She would later establish herself as a leading playback singer, recording thousands of songs and earning multiple National Film Awards during a career spanning several decades.
The childhood photograph serves as a reminder of how a small television competition helped shape the future of countless young talents. For many admirers, the image is not merely a personal keepsake but a symbol of an era when Notun Kuri was a cherished cultural institution watched by families across Bangladesh.
