Ferdausi Rahman: A mesmerising voice

Ferdausi Rahman, one of the most revered singers of the nation, celebrates her 80th birthday today. Born to folk singer Abbas Uddin, she started her tutelage from home. She soon began playback singing and became one of the most prominent voices in the subcontinent. On her birthday, noted musicians of Bangladesh talked about her dedication to her craft in a chat with The Daily Star.

I respect her versatility and consistency: Khurshid Alam

Ferdausi Rahman has reached heights beyond imagination. Having to speak about her legacy requires us to go back and reflect upon her amazing journey. When television was inaugurated in our country, the journey started with her voice. She is regarded as the first female music composer of the country.

She was a member of the jury board I had auditioned for when I first came to Dhaka. She never confined herself to any genre. Her inclination towards film music inspired me to take up playback singing in my career. I had the privilege of performing with her on television. Sadly, we have not done a duet film song. I respect her versatility and consistency.

We are blessed to have Ferdausi Rahman in the music industry: Sheikh Sadi Khan

Ferdausi Rahman ruled over playback singing in the 1960s. She has a blissful voice, and her singing has been an inspiration to many upcoming singers. We are blessed to have her in the music industry. 

Her voice is mesmerising: Rafiqul Alam

I first came across Ferdausi Rahman during the inaugural ceremony of Bangladesh Betar, Rajshahi. Many other noted singers, including Abdul Salim, were also present that day. My elder brother Sarowar Zahan took me to this grand cultural programme. Ferdausi Rahman presented Bhawaiya music that day, and I fell in love with her singing. At that time, she also used to sing at All India Radio in Kolkata.

I was formally introduced to her by Dhir Ali Miah in 1973 when I was called upon to sing a track composed jointly by him and Ferdausi Rahman. She had invited me and Shubir Nandi to her Banani residence. We were awestruck after coming across her tanpura. I had the opportunity to perform with her abroad a couple of times, and she is very humble I must say. Her voice is mesmerising.

Ferdausi Rahman's down-to-earth nature and simplicity make her a living legend: Kumar Bishwajit

Ferdausi Singer has been a pioneering figure in the world of music in Bangladesh. Over the years, she has given us a lot to treasure, and she is still continuing her efforts.  

I sometimes talk over the phone with her, and my heart fills with pride when she says that she likes listening to my songs. Ferdausi Rahman's down-to-earth nature and simplicity make her a living legend.