Sabina Yasmin’s contributions to patriotic anthems and soulful film songs are unparalleled. For over six decades, this legendary artist has been the voice of a nation, touching millions of hearts and creating a unique genre of Bengali music.
Born on September 4, 1954, Sabina Yasmin turns 72 this year, marking another milestone in a life steeped in melody.
Music runs in her blood. Her mother, Mouluda Khatun, was an extraordinary singer, and four of her five sisters were also involved in music.
Sabina’s elder sisters Farida and Fawzia first taught her how to sing, planting the early seeds of melody in her heart. Her musical journey began with a humble and unsuccessful attempt to record a song on the harmonium. Yet, that first recorded piece, ‘Khokon Moni Shona’, served as the stepping stone of something extraordinary.
Her official musical career began in 1964, when she sang on Betar’s ‘Khelaghor’. Soon after, she transitioned to playback singing. At her mother’s request, renowned composer Altaf Mahmud gave her the first big break. Her playback journey began with the song ‘Modhu Jochnar Dipali’ from the film ‘Agun Niye Khela’.
At the time, Sabina was a ninth-grade student at Siddheshwari Girls’ School. Six days after the recording, Altaf Mahmud informed her that the team had liked her performance. Soon after, she sang ‘Ekti Pakhi Dupurer Rode Shongihara Eka’ in a duet with Mahmudun Nabi.
However, true recognition came with her third song, ‘Shudhu Gaan Geye Porichoy’. The song’s popularity catapulted her into the spotlight. One after another, she delivered hits in films like ‘Anowara’, ‘Nayantara’ and ‘Taka Ana Pai’.
From that point on, there was no looking back. She became the first choice for top composers including Satya Saha, Subal Das, Khan Ataur Rahman, Ali Hossain and Gazi Mazharul Anwar.
She would spend nights recording in the studio, only to wake up early and attend school the next morning. This stands as a testament to her incredible dedication towards music.
Sabina’s voice crossed borders, reaching Bollywood audiences through Hindi films such as ‘Annai Abichar’ and ‘Shatru’. She worked with legendary figures such as RD Burman, Kishore Kumar, Hemant Mukherjee and Bhupen Hazarika, further proving her mettle as an international-calibre artist.
Even while studying sociology at Dhaka University, music remained her constant companion. She fondly remembers those days, chatting with friends during class breaks, riding rickshaws to Chinese restaurants, eating tamarind on the rooftop; all fragments of a sweet past that still bring a smile to her face.
Among her closest friends was actress Late Kabori Sarwar and she shared warm relationships with Shabana, Babita and Anjana. She was also a devoted fan of the legendary actor ‘Nayok Raj’ Razzak.
Sabina also has a cherished friendship with fellow music legend Runa Laila. Their duet ‘Tumi Boro Bhaggoboti’ is a lasting testament to their bond.
Yet, she hasn’t shied away from criticizing the state of the music industry today. “There is no royalty system anymore,” she laments. “But companies continue to earn money from artists’ songs.” She has consistently called for fair remuneration and protection for artists.
Sabina believes singing is not a competition. Listening to good music by others only inspired her more. “Oh! If only I could sing this song,” she would think; a sentiment that reflects her humility and artistic spirit.
She still finds joy in rediscovering lost gems among the approximately 16,000 songs she has recorded, a treasure trove of nostalgia for both her and her audience.
Sabina Yasmin won her first National Film Award in 1978 for ‘Sujon Sokhi’. She has received the National Film Award 14 times, the highest ever by a single artist. She was also awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1984 and the Swadhinata Padak in 1996.
A cancer survivor, Sabina has fought several health battles with utmost grace. Though physically more tired now, her soul is still immersed in music. From regular practice at home to singing for her daughter in the kitchen or being delighted by rediscovering her old songs on YouTube, Sabina Yasmin continues to not just live, but thrive, through her music.