Binodon Desk:

Internationally acclaimed singer and composer Runa Laila completed her 60-year journey in the music industry on Monday.

Private TV channel Channel-i aired a live programme titled ‘Runa Laila: Sangeet Jibaner 60 Bochhor’ marking the occasion.

She was accorded a ceremonial reception at the programme.

Runa Laila started her career when she was twelve years old as a singer on June 24, 1964, with the song ‘Guriya Si Munni Meri Bhaiya Ki Pyaari’ in the film ‘Jugnu’.

Channel-i director and head of news Shykh Seraj, Runa Laila’s husband actor Alamgir, playback singer MD Khurshid Alam, filmmaker Kazi Hayat, actresses Anjana Sultana, Aruna Biswas, actor Omar Sani, musician Linu Billah, Manam Ahmed, Foad Nasser Babu, Shawkat Ali Emon, among others, spoke at the event.

‘Your prayers, blessings, love and respect inspired me greatly during my journey,’ said Runa Laila.

‘Runa Laila has greatly enriched the subcontinent’s music sector and we are proud of her achievements,’ said Shykh Seraj.

‘Runa is very serious about her work. It is impossible to continue to pursue a music career for 60 years without seriousness and dedication,’ said Alamgir.

Runa Laila is a six-time recipient of the National Film Award of Bangladesh for music. She received several awards from Pakistan, including Nigar Award, Graduate Award, National Council of Music Award as well as Saigol Award from India.

She also received the Independence Award.

The programme ended with a music show where Imran, Jhilik, Luipa, Anima Mukti and Anonna sang Runa Laila’s popular songs.