As Bangladesh mourns the passing of legendary Lalon singer Farida Parveen, fellow musicians and admirers share their grief and reflections on her life and legacy.
It was a privilege to collaborate with Farida over many years, sharing memorable experiences and inspiration. Her artistry and the depth she brought to Lalon’s songs will endure for generations. Her loss is deeply felt by us and the entire music community. I pray that Allah grant her eternal peace and offer my sincere condolences to her family.
— Runa Laila, Singer & Composer
I can’t believe Farida Parveen is gone. It hurts deeply. She hadn’t even reached an advanced age, yet her absence leaves an irreplaceable void. Farida Parveen was an extraordinary artist whose impact will be felt for generations. She took Lalon music to the world stage and gave it a new dimension, especially in Japan. But have we truly given her the recognition she deserves in our own country?
Farida Parveen collected Lalon’s original melodies and presented them in their simplest, purest form, spreading his spirituality among the people. There is no comparison. She has rightly been recognised as Lalon’s daughter. Her passing is an immense loss for music.
I had a very close relationship with her. When she lived in Farmgate, I visited her often. I learned Lalon music from her and sang alongside her, both at home and abroad. Even when we didn’t meet regularly, we stayed in touch by phone. Yesterday (Saturday), I prayed to Allah, wishing she could return to us. Perhaps it was her time to go.
Farida was not only a cherished daughter of music; she brought a unique dimension to patriotic songs, modern songs and Nazrul Sangeet as well. Songs like ‘Tomra Bhule Gecho Mollikadir Naam’ and ‘Ei Padma, Ei Meghna’ carry a depth in her voice that is incomparable.
— Sabina Yasmin, Singer
‘Farida Parveen left with the entire space she created in Lalon Giti. For those of us who listened to Lalon songs, we listened only to Farida Apa. We are losing many who were like banyan trees above our heads, leaving us helpless.
People of this country enjoy the beautiful voices of artists all the time, but when an artist dies, we hear talk of sin, virtue, heaven and hell. Those comments terrify us and hurt us deeply. My humble request: do not think of our artists as sinful. Sin exists in many other parts of society. Artists have enriched our lives through songs, plays and literature; let us show them tolerance and respect.’
— Kanak Chapa, National Film Award-winning musician
‘I was performing on stage when I heard the news of her death. I froze in disbelief. Though I never shared the stage with her, every time we met she showered me with affection and blessings.
She and I were born in the same region, where Lalon’s songs flow in our blood. People sometimes call me “Lalonkonna,” but whenever I hear that, I bite my tongue, because the real Lalonkonna is Farida Parveen, not us.’
— Salma, Lalon singer
