A combination of versatility and finesse

Rain or shine, she is eclectic in her musical tastes. Her forte is classical-based music such as khayal, thumri and ghazals. Also she is an exponent of traditional Bangla folk music like Bhawaiya, Bhaitali and other genres. She has made her mark in Nazrul and modern songs. She has also done playback for over 200 films.

Currently she is on her toes as the founder principal of the Abbasuddin Sangeet Academy. "You can call it my child," says Ferdausi. The school has 100 students (upwards of six years and some parents as well). The children get lessons in classical music, Nazrul songs, folk songs, children's songs (Chhada Gaan), as well as Tagore songs.

Ferdausi takes pride in the high calibre of teachers in the 15-year-old Academy. There are six music teachers and the same number of tabla players. Some of them have made a mark in their medium -- as, for instance, Shudhin Das, a renowned Nazrul exponent and late Abdul Latif, an exponent of folk songs. Classes are held twice a week in the Academy, situated in Banani.

What sets the Academy apart from other such institutions? Ferdausi gives a quick response: " I lay a lot of emphasis on classical music because that is the foundation of all music. Today children may be drawn to film and pop songs, dances and music videos, but despite such distractions there are parents who get their children to learn music at the Academy. They understand that without a proper foundation it is impossible to create good artistes."

Some songs are near to Ferdausi's heart: Ami Shagorer neel and Lokey boley prem ar ami boli jala (modern). There are also folk songs such as Oki garial bhai, Phandey Poria boga kanderey. As she says, she is drawn to the thumri, which can give expression to each word. "Take the thumri Ja main tosey nahin bolun. You have the freedom to express yourself in many ways in singing these lines. You can also add a few elements of another raga."

Ferdausi is busy in other directions as well. In the children's television programme, titled Cholo Gaan Gai, she teaches music to the young ones -- with an emphasis on children and patriotic songs. The programme, telecast every alternate Saturday is aired on ATN Bangla.

Another programme featuring Ferdausi is Bhalo Basho Mor Gaan. Here she dons the mantle of compere as established artistes give their rendition of her songs. The programme goes on ntv on the last Saturday night of every month.

Ferdausi takes a look what the future holds for her. She is presently working on two CDs for children -- one of Chhada Gaan and the other classical. At the end of the day, Ferdausi counts her blessings by saying, "I love my shongshar (household)." In an introspective mode, she concludes, "I never dwell on my downs. I think more of my ups because I feel that almighty Allah has given me more than I deserve: my voice and my wonderful family."