Kolkata, June 19: Expressing her liking for television reality shows, Bangladeshi singing legend Runa Laila rues the fact that in her country the programmes have not flourished the way they have in India.
She noted that reality shows have gained enormous popularity in India, both at the national (Hindi) and regional levels.
“Although they are quite popular in Bangladesh because of the small market, it has not caught up among the viewers in the same way,” the ‘Dama Dum Mast Qalandar' singer said on the sets of ‘Singing Star', a reality show on the Bengali channel Rupasi Bangla.
When asked if reality shows could actually throw up a big star, Laila who is the guest judge on the show, said, “Talents like Shreya Ghosal and Sunidhi Chauhan are the products of reality shows. Who knows there can be an even bigger star.”
On the issue of pitting children in reality shows, Laila said, “It can be a great platform for those little ones. But that's not the entire thing.”
“One (elders) must first remember that to establish oneself as a singer needs a very strong base,” she added.
Asking parents not to expect instant success and be patient, she said, “Please don't put undue pressure on those tender children. It cannot be the ultimate stage of their career. They need to brace for a long journey,” Laila said.
The ‘nightingale of Bengali songs', who has done playback singing for many movies in Bangladesh and India, said she was for a vibrant cultural atmosphere and more artistic exchanges between the two countries which share so much in common.
Reminded about her peppy Bengali folk-pop numbers in the 80s ‘Sadher Lau', ‘Bondhu Tin Din Tor Barite Gelam' and ‘Istitationer Rail Garita', she smiled and said, “Yes, these songs became huge hits. I am happy that people in West Bengal still remember those numbers. We share so much in common.”
Celebrated Bollywood playback singer Kumar Sanu, one of the judges of Singing Star said, “I am really thrilled to have Runa Laila as part of our show. Her love for music and understanding of the people of Kolkata will give a unique human touch to our panel of judges.”
Sanu said he wanted to give back something to his own people through the show which is a singing competition for children aged between 2 and 12. PTI
