Searching for the essence of poetry
Laila says, "I chose recitation as a medium of self-expression. Sometimes, after reading an entire anthology, I picked a couple of poems that could be communicated with an audience. For two years I read and selected poems that left lasting impression on me." In 1983 Laila began performing with Quamrul Hassan Manju, Geeti Ara Nasreen, Anisuzzaman, Khristina de Rozario and Hassan Arif. The group was called 'Sharito Abritti Chakra'. The group performed at a programme called Proshuner Jonyo Prarthona. This was staged at the Central Public Library, Shahbagh. Next they arranged a show at Guide House calling their performance Amra Dravid dealing with the Bengali identity.
After that her world of recitation expanded. At that time Laila worked in a radio programme titled Upoma after which she performed in TV programmes on occasions like Tagore anniversary and Victory Day. She and her group also took part in Prochchad, Asad Chowdhury's recitation programme on TV.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Eventually, Laila wanted to go beyond group performances and prepared to go into solo act. Her first solo performance titled Tametey Ek Dravid Griot, was held at the British Council. Laila has been invited to Kolkata several times, to perform at cultural events, along with her husband Hassan Arif, bringing together the literature of Bangladesh and West Bengal. In 2001 she was invited by Dr Sruti Bandyopadhyay from Rabindra Bharati.
Apart from these she performed in different parts of Bangladesh such as Chittagong and Khulna. It was in 2001 that she last had her solo recitation at the Central Public Library. The programme titled Diner Sheshey also featured songs rendered by Shimul Yousuff and another artiste. The combined performance was highly appreciated.
Laila, through her recitation, hopes to highlight the essence of Bangla poetry.