There are two things that people do not know about me --Yasmeen

Illustration by Aloke

Which was your breakthrough performance?
I think it goes back to the time when I was very young. I remember the Sangeeta Cinema Hall where Ghazal Maestro Mehdi Hassan introduced me to the audience and I had the rare opputunity to perform with him. It was the most memorable event of my life and it was my first public appearance.

How would you describe yourself?
I don't pretend to know or do things I don't do or know. Secondly, I am generous. (Smilingly) Sometimes I feel if there were more people like me, the world would have been a better place. I want the well being of others.

Do you have any regrets?
I don't have any regrets about being a singer. Frankly, I do not know how else I would spend my time productively. I always thank God and my parents that I could nurture my talents.

What are your dreams?
I have simple and ordinary dreams to live in peace and harmony with my family members. And I think I still have a lot to contribute to music.

Tell us about your loved ones.
I was brought up in culturally oriented family. As I grew older, I fell in love with the beautiful songs of our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Which is your favourite song?
It is difficult to say. Different songs appeal to me at different times because these songs express our emotions. Sometimes I feel like singing songs I haven't yet learnt. But, most of all, I like the Nazrul song Poran priyo keno ele abelay and all the Ghazals by Mehdi Hassan.

Do you have any secrets to share?
There are two things that people do not know about me. Firstly, I manage the family all by myself and can organise a quick dinner and other arrangements even if guests come unexpectedly. The second thing is that nobody knows the technique of my rewaaz or practice that I learnt from my Ustads.

Favourite food
I love Chinese and red-hot dishes. Whenever someone treats me to Chinese cuisine, I generally comply without any hesitation.

What if you were not allowed to sing any more?
Oh! Where does the king of Diamond come from and declare such an objection? I would definitely sing and nobody can stop me. I have a group of fans who will object to such orders and encourage me to keep on singing.