Internationally acclaimed vocalist Runa Laila is set to be honoured with India’s ‘Minar-e-Delhi’ award in recognition of her contribution to music and the arts. The award will be presented at the 15th Delhi International Film Festival.
Runa Laila becomes the fourth recipient of the honour. Previous awardees include Indian actress and dancer Zohra Sehgal (2012), former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena (2015) and Russian actress Kseniya Ryabinkina (2016) for the film ‘Mera Naam Joker’.
The Delhi International Film Festival, organised under India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, will run from May 4 to 8. Festival founder and president Ram Kishore Parcha recently wrote to Runa Laila, praising her decades-long musical journey and describing her work as a cultural bridge between India and Bangladesh.
In his letter, he noted that her songs have long resonated across borders and continue to inspire audiences. He also invited her to attend the event as a special guest, stating that her presence would enhance the festival’s significance and encourage filmmakers and artists.
Organisers have arranged for Runa Laila’s travel, accommodation and local transport during her visit to New Delhi. They said her participation would strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
Responding on social media on Wednesday, Runa Laila expressed gratitude for the invitation and confirmed her attendance, writing that she was looking forward to the event.
This year’s festival will be held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The programme will focus on women’s empowerment, social issues, children’s cinema and works by women filmmakers from across the world.
Prominent figures from Indian cinema and music, including Sharmila Tagore, Rituparna Sengupta, Revathy, Usha Uthup, Piyush Mishra and Rajpal Yadav, among others, are expected to attend.
