Runa Laila is a name that has travelled across generations and geographies, carrying with it a legacy few artistes in South Asia can claim. For many Bangladeshis, the journey with her began on grainy BTV screens, watching a young Runa command the stage with unmatched poise.
Decades later, younger audiences rediscovered that same magic on platforms like YouTube, most recently through Coke Studio Bangla, proof that her appeal has never dimmed, only expanded.
At 73, Runa Laila stands not just as a musical icon, but as a cultural phenomenon. Her influence extends far beyond her golden discography.
She has long been regarded as an emblem of elegance, fashion and artistic evolution. From her vibrant stage persona to her unmistakable style, she has shaped the aesthetic memory of several generations.
Marking her 73rd birthday, Coke Studio Bangla released a new rendition of her evergreen classic ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar’. The reinterpretation blends the spiritual cadence of qawwali with the melodic heritage of Bangladeshi folk, creating a version that feels both nostalgic and newly alive. It is less a cover and more a tribute, and a salute to the woman whose voice has long moved listeners from deep within.
Runa Laila’s charisma has also resonated with artistes well outside the realm of music. Celebrated Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, a lifelong admirer, immortalised her influence in his Mumbai store.
The plaque he dedicated recalls his childhood fascination, watching Runa Laila perform Dama Dam Mast Qalandar on Doordarshan, her black-and-gold ensemble, chandbalis and cropped hair becoming a defining image of elegance for the young designer.
Her legacy continues to inspire across mediums, and now it has entered the world of literature as well. Runa Laila is the central figure of a newly published novel titled ‘Mayar Singhasan’, written by acclaimed fiction writer Abdullah Al Muktadir.
Released November 17 by Chandrabindu Prokashan to coincide with her birthday, the novel traces her rise in Bangladesh’s musical landscape, her artistic evolution, moments of adversity and her enduring cultural significance.
Her life and artistry also find expression on screen. The film ‘Shilpi’, an intimate portrait of her journey alongside her husband, veteran actor Alamgir, offers yet another testament to her lasting brilliance and the stories behind the icon.
As Runa Laila enters her 73rd year, her voice remains as resonant as ever; not just in her timeless recordings, but in the countless artistes, designers, writers and music lovers who continue to draw inspiration from her legacy.
Few stars burn bright for as long. Fewer still illuminate entire generations. Runa Laila is one of the rare ones who has done both, with grace, with spirit and with a presence that refuses to age.
