Passion for Nazrul songs

At present as the Vice President of Nazrul Sangeet Shilpi Parishad (NSSP), it is like making up for lost time for Rebeka. According to her, "NSSP has plans to promote gifted singers, we have plans to organise a big-budget programme, which will include as many Nazrul artistes of the country as possible. Releasing albums of low profile but talented artistes is another scheme that we would soon take."

While abroad, Rebeka along with the expatriate Bangalees' organisations used to celebrate the special days of Bangladesh. "I wanted to popularise Nazrul songs in the respective countries that I visited. I have organised musical soirees and seminars to inform the people of the world about the rich and melodious tunes of Nazrul," says Rebeka.

She also believes that while many expatriate parents want to teach their children music, they face obstacles such as the lack of proper teachers and guidance. Rebeka took the initiative to train those children in Nazrul Sangeet.

Rebeka has released two albums of her Nazrul songs so far. Explaining the limited number of albums, she says, "The music companies are reluctant to release Nazrul albums. They think that the listeners prefer some limited popular and widely rendered Nazrul songs. Ghazals, classical, lyrical songs and even the religious songs belonging to this genre have a universal appeal. However, the audio companies are unaware of this."

Rebeka also has passion for playing the piano. She began learning the piano in Australia in the mid-1980s. She continued her practice in piano at the Beethoven Institute in Abu Dhabi, an affiliate of the Trinity College of Music in London. Now she teaches piano at her Uttara residence at home.

She was a popular guest vocalist of Radio Nepal and one of her songs is still a common number on the radio. The song speaks of a lonesome girl who loves to take walks and listen to the haunting melody of a flute played by her beloved.