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That taste of sweet success
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Runa Laila, the singing sensation of 1970s, does not just have a sweet voice but a sweet tooth as well
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Photo: V. V. Krishnan
Mellifluously yours Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila having lunch at Durbar restaurant in Ashok hotel
“O’ Mera babu chhail chhabeela meh to nachoongi…”, the melody of the ’70s comes wafting through, reviving images of a petite singer who had the youth swinging as her pop numbers created a new generation of music followers.
Even as the traditionalists felt threatened, she gave a glimpse of her range with an impeccable rendering of “Ranjish hi sahi”, immortalised by legends like Mehdi Hasan and Ghulam Ali. She also ventured into playback singing, commanded a loyal fan following, and came to be known as one of the finest voices in the sub-continent.
“Salaam walekum,” she greets you. Her voice melodious as ever; the grace that marked her personality not eroded by time. Runa Laila, the sensation of the 1970s, is fresh and forthcoming as she joins us at the Durbar in Hotel Ashok for a lunch.
Runa was a rage when she first visited India in 1974 when her “Dama dum mast kalandar” topped the charts. “Believe me, I have never felt I am not an Indian. The affection and warmth that I have enjoyed from the people of India is my best treasure,” she says, sipping a mocktail. Then remixes were unheard of. “We sang our own songs. There is nothing wrong with remixes as long as you get the original artist to perform. The artist knows the song best and can do a good job of it. I like remixes because they keep the song alive. There is no harm if you play around with the fusion but please don’t tamper with the originality. The soul of the song should not be lost in the remix.”
Hard working
The chef, Rajan Loomba, is a fan of Runa and has a few suggestions. Starters arrive but Runa has flown back in time. “Melody was paramount in our days. We had idols like Lataji and Ashaji to look up to. I would quietly sing their songs and my riyaaz was my most important part of the day. I chose the most difficult songs for my riyaaz. We really had to work hard. There were times when one song would demand three days of training with the artist, lyricist, composer and the musicians engrossed in giving their best.”
She bites into a chicken tikka and exults. “Hmm, so delicious.” Loomba is flattered and leaves with a smile. “I like these talent hunt shows. Some of the kids are exceptionally gifted. But I want them to remember that classical training is a must if you want to make a career of it. Classical training provides you a platform that helps you grow as a singer or a composer.”
Lunch is served. Naan, dal and vegetable Zalfrezi. For a minute or two, Runa, obviously hungry (she has been giving interviews non-stop since morning), just concentrates on the food. A second helping is enriched with a serving of fish. Runa is enjoying her food as she calls for some more fish. “Music is my passion. I travel a lot for my concerts. I can’t live without music. If I don’t sing for three days I feel I have become useless.”
Before dessert arrives, one mentions Gharonda, the 1977 movie that featured two gems from Runa. “I enjoyed working with Jaidev saab (the composer). It is sad I couldn’t do Hindi movies regularly because there were restrictions on foreign artists performing in India. That is why I feel there should be no borders for artists. We should be allowed to travel freely.”
One final question; was she not ahead of times? The rasagolla disappears in her mouth and she now eyes the kulfi. “Maybe yes, maybe not… I enjoyed my work. To some extent I think some of my songs were ahead of times. They were peppy, there was no screaming or shouting. Melody was not lost and there was quality because the competition was tough but very healthy. We had respect for our colleagues. I think we all managed to remain original. I have always believed that it is important to have your own identity. I can never be in the same league as Lataji or Ashaji but I must have my own identity.”
Runa Laila surely has her own identity and fans have come to love this charming ambassador from Bangladesh for her voice which has stood the ravages of time so wonderfully. She still leaves you swinging as she hums, “Mera babu chhail chhabeela, mai to nachoongi…”
VIJAY LOKAPALLY
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Mangalore
Puducherry
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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