A voice in solitude

Shefali Ghose, the queen of folk songs, is a special chapter in our provincial songs. She has spread the local songs of Chittagong all over Bangladesh and has gained mass popular ity. Recently she had come to Dhaka to receive an award given by the Shilpakala Academy in honour of her contribution to our culture. Kausar Islam Ayon of The Daily Star talks to her about her forte.

The Daily Star: How do you find yourself these days?

Shefali Ghose: I am well and I'll be fine as long as I am able to sing.

TDS: How do you feel about the award? Is it your first time at the national level?

SG: I've got a lot of awards but this is my first one at the national level. Though I have had to wait a long time for this, I am grateful to the Shilpakala Academy.

TDS: Are you satisfied with all your achievement? Do you have anything to regret?

S.G: I never had any complaint against any one and I believe nobody will be able to take away what I deserve.

TDS: Why are you not seen in the television now as before?

S.G. The regional artistes of Chittagong, are under a new system and can perform only under the TV centre of Chittagong. And the problem with Chittagong centre is that it goes on air under the transmission of Rampura centre for twenty-five minutes only, on selected days. There are a number of enlisted artistes to perform and I am treated there like everybody else. So I cannot reach my viewers as before.

TDS: Have any private channels contacted you?

S.G: They haven't called me as yet. Once I was called by Hanif Sanket for a programme on ATN Bangla and that's all.

TDS: Tell us about your future plan?

S.G: There is no institute of folk songs in Chittagong. Our next generation is not getting the chance to learn folk songs. I think it is our duty to give something to our society. My only desire now is to establish an institute on folk song at Chittagong. I don't have that ability to establish this kind of institute, but I'm still looking forward to the well to-do of our society to do so.

DS: You being the president of the Chattegram Shilpi Shangsta, can't you do the necessary to establish an institute to practice folk song?

SG: This organisation cannot maintain even the link between the artistes with its very limited resources let alone establish an institute.

DS: Tell us about your co-artiste Sham Sunder Baishanab.

S.G: That was a glorious chapter in the history of duo in folk. People of all class had taken myself and Sham Sundar as the incomparative duo. He was cooperative and meritorious with his extraordinary melodious voice. He was so good that I miss him every moment

DS: Do you still do the duo?

SG: No, after his departure I have not sung a single duet. Many people still request me to perform a duet with other singers but I don't think I want to. It will never be the same.

DS: Tell us about your performance out of the country?

SG: I performed in BBC (Bangla), London, Royal Albert Hall, London and Ruposhi Bangla, New York. I have performed at a lot of stage programmes in many countries, at the invitation of private organisation. It is a matter of great regret that our Government invited me only once. This was a tour to Burma (Now Mayanmer) after which I have not been called officially to represent our culture abroad.

DS: Do you have any message for your fans?

SG: I am grateful for the love of my fans. I have accomplished a lot in my musical career. I hope I can continue to satisfy my listeners for years to come.