Getting to know Shirin Shila

Shirin Shila performing at an event

For starters, she talks about her "hobby" of newscasting. Going back 10 years back when she began work as a newscaster with BTV and Betar, Shila says, "I am really comfortable in these media." Shirin is also the recipient of the Ekota Award and Swarobaniboth for newscasting on BTV. However, she grumbles at the poor remuneration from the satellite channels and clients in this profession. This has kept her away from being a full time newscaster, she maintains.

Next she delves into her interest in Rabindra Sangeet which has made a deep impact on her psyche. "The poet's rich lyrics have a lasting appeal. They encompass every human emotion such as joy, sadness, anger, love, devotion and dejection," says the articulate Shirin. Among her favourite Tagore songs, she says, are Amare tumi Oshesh korechho emoni leela tobo, Anondo dhara bohiche bhubon e and Anonto ananda.

Indulging in some crystal gazing, she asserts that there would come a time that people would just get fed up of the current music styles and turn back to old classics, which have something more substantial to offer.

Shirin is also outspoken about the new craze for music videos. She believes that music videos and the mushrooming TV channels detract from the music. Thus music has become a visual art rather than something "which you hear, listen and feel." She also has a grouse against combining different art forms such as dance, choreography and acting which makes everything cluttered. "The makers of music videos tell you what to think. Normally when you listen to a song you have your own interpretation but when you watch a music video which has its own choreography and theme there is an imposition of thoughts and styles on the listener," asserted Shririn.

However, despite the onslaught of the electronic media, Shirin remains upbeat. She maintains that now and then she gets to hear good songs which goes to show that all is not lost and people still appreciate good music.

No she doesn't feel pulled in various directions by her various interests. There is a strong sense of achievement, which inspires her to sing. Explaining her philosophy, she ends by saying: "Ultimately, with all my diverse occupations, I get satisfaction from doing a good day's work. This inspires me to put my heart and soul into singing and everything else I do."