Concert for SWID: Entertainment for a noble cause

Runa Laila ( R) performing with a student of SWID

To raise funds for the Ramna branch of Society for the Welfare of the Intellectually Disabled (SWID), Bangladesh, a cultural programme was organised on June 17 at the Winter Garden, Sheraton Hotel. The star-studded event was planned by renowned artiste Runa Laila and her husband, actor Alamgir.

Alamgir, host of the show, said, "I'm elated that so many of you have responded to a great cause by making contributions. I don't want to belittle you by just saying 'thanks'. You all deserve way more than just a 'thank you'."

The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by a student of SWID.

Sajeda Kabir Humayun, president of SWID, Ramna branch, expressed her gratitude to the donors and audience.

Selima Rahman, State Minister for Cultural Affairs, was the chief guest at the function. In her speech, she said, "SWID, an organisation that started with teaching intellectually disabled children in a small classroom, at Willes Little Flower School in 1977, has expanded through the years with the help of many. Today, the organisation needs help more than ever. Let's all try to strengthen our society by helping these 'differently-abled' citizens."

In a similar vein, Runa Laila stated, "After visiting an SWID school, I was so moved that I knew that I had to do something to help out these children. These children are the driving force behind this effort and I must thank all the artistes who are performing tonight. They have worked tirelessly to put together this event and I must thank ntv, our media partner, for its cooperation.”

The main event started with the students of SWID demonstrating their artistic skills. Zeeshan rendered a Runa Laila song, Shilpi ami shilpi and Runa chimed in with her. Mithu performed Tumi oporupa and Nipa danced with the song Akashey akashey chol udey jai. It was evident that these 'differently abled' students have the same passion for performing arts as we do.

Popular model and dancer, Mou performed a dance number with the song, Agun-er poroshmoni chhonwao praney, along with Roton. Eminent vocalist, Shakila Zafar made a road trip from North Bengal, where she is judging the auditions for a talent hunt, to perform at the show. She performed a song composed by Subir Nandi, Tumi jokhon amaye chedey. The sound system was not cooperating with the artiste at this point.

Mehruba Alamgir, the other host of the show, then introduced Tishma, the young pop-star, who performed two numbers. Kumar Biswajit then took the stage and performed Doctor, followed by Torey putul-er moto korey shajiye, the song that made Biswajit a star.

Filmstars Riaz and Purnima performed with catchy numbers like Premi o premi. Other prominent singers like Aankhi Alamgir, Asif and Robi Chowdhury also rendered their popular songs.

The main attraction of the event was of course, Runa Laila's performance. Beginning with Shilpi ami shilpi, she amply demonstrated why she has earned the sobriquet of the 'one and only' Runa Laila. With the crowd going wild, she went from one song to another, changing the ambiance with each song. She rendered Shadher lau, De de pyar de and an Arabic song Binte Shariyaa.

Her performance, however reached its zenith when after a flirtatious rendition of Bondhu tin din tor badit gelam, she started singing Dumadum mast kalandar. Runa is famed for her performance of this particular song. With the head swinging, hair tossing and body movements, she always seems possessed by the essence of the song and this time was no different either.

The song was the last act of the show and what a last act it was!