“She left us too soon” - Sadi Mohammad reminisces Mita Huq

Mita Haq was a fellow artiste, beloved singer, and a dear sister to me. Other people often asked me if she was my sister or not, she always held that place in my life.

I have countless memories with Mita. As fellow artistes, we performed together so many times, at home and abroad.

She was suffering from kidney complications for the last couple of years. Whenever she was feeling sad, she used to call me. I used to visit her at her residence frequently. Mita was always happy to be surrounded by her loved ones.

She was a regular dialysis patient, and she used to share her experiences of the treatment with me often.

Photo: Star & Collected

Eminent Rabindra Sangeet exponent and Ekushey Padak winner Mita Huq passed away on April 11, leaving an abyss in the world of Bangladeshi music. The artiste molded her life and philosophy in the vision of Tagore, who promoted peace and harmony through all of humankind. Mita Huq was said to be the happiest in the company of her friends and family, so we celebrate the artiste’s life and achievements with a gallery of select photos. Receiving the Ekushey Padak from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. PHOTO: COURTESY

Mita and I share thousands of happy memories together. Traveling to different countries for events, performing together on various occasions rendered sweet memories all our lives. We performed together at various places including Agartala, Bombay and Kolkata among other places abroad.

Taking the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. PHOTO: COURTESY

Mita lost both her parents and her husband. She had to go through immense struggle and pressure to survive in the fight of life. A born fighter, despite the emptiness in her life, she never backed down from a fight.

Sometimes, she used to share her regrets with me. She collaborated with multiple artistes, but she regretted not working on an album with me. I have similar regrets. We performed together so many times, but somehow never worked on an album together.

She used to get very emotional from time to time. At times, minutes before a performance, Mita used to get emotional and I used to console her.

One time, several of us, including Kalim Sharafi, Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya and Mita among others, were going to Mumbai from Kolkata for an event. The trains in Mumbai were a bit slow, and every time we stopped at a station, Mita demanded food. I laughed and told her, "What if the train leaves me at the station?" I always went and got her the food she wanted.

Mita was a proper foodie. On several occasions, I cooked her favourite dishes and visited her house.

Once, I arranged a reception in Mita's honour. I brought several of her favourite dishes, including khichuri and duck curry. She was ecstatic by the surprise.

With colleagues of Chhayanaut Sangeet Vidyatan. PHOTO: COURTESY

Smiling for a portrait with Chanchal Chowdhury. PHOTO: COURTESY

She never refused, whenever she was asked to sing at an event. Sometimes, there would be an event, where they won't pay us for the performances. Mita used to say, "If you go, why wouldn't I"?

She had a big heart and I respected her for that. She was an immensely talented artiste.

Wherever she is now, I hope that she is at peace. She left us all too soon.

At Joyita’s solo album launch. PHOTO: COURTESY

With friends and family. PHOTO: COURTESY

With daughter Farhin Khan Joyita and son-in-law Mostafiz Shahin. PHOTO: COURTESY

Mita Huq, Khaled Khan and their daughter Joyita. PHOTO: COURTESY

An old photo of Mita Huq, Khaled Khan and Joyita. PHOTO: COURTESY

Translated by Rasheek Tabassum Mondira