Singer Runa Laila occupies a special place in South Asian music. Born in Bangladesh when it was still East Pakistan, then establishing a successful musical career in India and Pakistan too, Laila has memorable hits like 'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar' to her record. In a interview with Times of India , Laila discussed her public debut when she was too small to hold a tanpura up, musical similarities across South Asia — and bouquets and biryani with Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.

How did you get into music?

Born into a family of music lovers in Sylhet, Bangladesh, i started learning classical music at a very early age. I received vigorous training from Ustad Habibuddin Khan. At the age of 11, i cut my first disc for a film called Jugnu. But my full-time career as a singer happened by accident. My elder sister, Dina, got a break but on the day of her performance, she developed a sore throat. I was asked to stand in. I was so little that i could not hold the tanpura up! I held it horizontally and sang a khayal. Somehow, this became an instant hit.

You've worked in India and Pakistan too — where do you feel you truly belong?

I was born and brought up in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. I belong to the subcontinent though as i have had the privilege of singing in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. In my view, like music itself, a singer has no boundaries.

Are there more similarities or differences in music between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh?

Well, classical music is the same across all three countries. In light music, there are certain similarities. The beats are more or less the same. Sometimes, there are marked variations in the style of singing or the use of certain musical instruments — for example, in Bengali folk music, the ektara and dotara are widely used. These touches make folk music special and across the region, each area has its own unique, distinct style.

We often hear of Indian and Pakistani musical collaborations — much less about tie-ups involving Bangladesh. Why is this?

In Bangladesh, Bengali is the main language along with Urdu. If this is included, then there can certainly be a greater exchange of artists.

What kind of music moves you the most?

I like all genres. But personally, i prefer classical-based songs most — that is our real foundation.

What's been a significant development in South Asian music over recent years?

Well, technology has greatly improved — but sadly, the use of acoustic instruments has become very limited. I really think we should maintain a balance between the two.

Finally, what are your memories of starting out as a singer in India?

My very first recording was with music composers Kalyanji-Anandji for the title song of a movie called Ek Se Badhkar Ek. Lata Mangeshkar was present during that recording and she gave her blessings to me. It was like a dream come true when Lata didi came across, blessed me and offered me a bouquet! Even now, Lataji calls me whenever she hears i`m in town and invites me over for lunch or dinner.

Her sister Ashaji too has become a close friend. I had met her informally before but we became friends when recently judging a musical show together. Ashaji used to bring wonderful biryani to the sets!

End/HFA/03/01/2013