What music means to Fatema

"At the risk of sounding clichéd, music is my life. I know every other artiste likes to chant this mantra but I don't know how else to articulate my bond with music," says Fatema.

"As a child, I was into circus big time. Not many know this: I used to practice acrobatics. Imagine me, walking on a rope and juggling balls or other inanimate objects!" chortles Fatema, "Besides that I also used to enjoy indoor games, swimming and cooking. However, all the things I was passionate about were replaced by music, as I grew up. My father ingrained in me a devotion towards music. I started with classical and semi-classical compositions.

"I distinctly remember the first time I heard Feroza Begum on the radio. That was my 'coming of age' moment. She is in fact one of the reasons for my inclination towards Nazrul songs. Although I was privileged to attend her classes and learnt a number of songs from the legendary singer, Ami Purobo desher puronaari has a special significance to me. Feroza Begum exclusively taught me the number. Perhaps this is the reason why according to some, that's one of the songs I perform best."

Among other Nazrul songs, Fatema's renditions of Tepantorer mathey, Pori zaffrani ghagori, Momo tonuro moyuro shinghashoney, are widely popular. Fatema sings haraano diner gaan (songs of yesteryears) such as Laguk dola and Nishiraat banka chaand akashey with equal aptitude.

Asked about her muse, without hesitating, Fatema says, "The audience has always been my source of inspiration. I'm one of those artistes who strongly believe that without an audience, art is futile. The audience can make or break an artiste. Take these incidents for example: In 1993, at a programme in Dallas, US, people drove 100-150 miles to hear me singing. They even brought their kids along. I was so overwhelmed by the adulation, I was in tears. On the other hand, at a soiree in '88, the audience was so disruptive, I was compelled to tell them that they either let me concentrate on my singing or carry on with their conversation."

Whose songs and which ones, for that matter, inveigle this diva? Fatema feels Begum Akhter, Feroza Begum, Abida Parveen and Farida Khanum have impeccable vocal skills. According to her, "Begum Akhter's Ei moushumey porodeshey jetey tomae debo na and Jochhona korechhey aadi have this enduring effect on me. I wish someone had composed songs like these for me! Abida's Sindhi number Sade wedhe aaya kar is also one of my favourites. Sometimes I like to perform Reshma's Lambi judaai at jalsas (gatherings)."

Asked what aspect of our music arena enrages her, the artiste says, "Although it is inconceivable in other culturally oriented countries, music is still not considered a full-time profession here. Very few artistes in our country can make a decent living off their arts. I've been asked on several occasions what I do for a living, besides singing."

Any regrets? According to Fatema, "None. The Almighty has given us options to be content. We just need to realise that." The artiste truly seems to be in nirvana, as she soulfully renders Tumi laho Prabhu amar shongshar-eri bhar.