A Chat with Mahnaz Islam Moitry

1. What brought you into music? 
When I was a young girl I never had the slightest idea how music would consume my life. To be honest, music was literally imposed on me by my parents. When I moved to Bangladesh, my mentor was Ustad Arun Kumar Mukherjee. He had an immense influence on me. He taught me all about music. He taught me classical music – the grammar for all musicians. He taught me not to be confined to just one style. I learned Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, Folk Sangeet and Adhunik Sangeet. I vividly remember that I began to take music seriously at class three and the love began to grow. This love has been growing ever since. It has won me several accolades along the way and inspired me. 

2. Were your parents supportive?
My father is a renowned poet in Rangpur with several appreciated publications. My mother too was a highly cultured individual. They not only inspired me but also paved the way for me to become a singer.  

3. How do you manage the stress of being a doctor and a singer?
My love for music is now at a stage where I can't think of a single day without practicing. During my days at medical school – even in times of immense pressure, I didn't skip singing.

4. Would you rather be a renowned doctor or a famous musician? 
Don't get me wrong. I love music! My medical practice is to simply pay the bills. I would happily accept anything that would cater to my love for music. 

5. Being a celebrity or stardom doesn't concern you much?
Not really as I do music solely for the peace of my soul. If stardom comes, I wouldn't throw it away obviously but, at the end of the day I will continue to do music. I will be overjoyed if I have a great song and people love it. Popularity and fame will not change me.

6. You started off as a classical singer, but now you are singing various genres. Do you miss classical music?
I haven't stopped singing classical music; I still love it. Still, I feel classical music has some limitations as it focuses more on vocals than any of the other elements. Music, to me, is the pinnacle of creative freedom and I like to be free of creative confines. 

7. Your recent projects focus on various genres, unlike many artists of the industry. Why not focus on just one field? 
I want to be a versatile singer and perform as many genres as I can. I love all kinds of music and I don't think being able to sing different genres can undermine a singer, rather it is elevating. I sing semi-classical, folk, patriotic and experimental songs.

8. You said you are a shy person. How does that affect you as a performer?
I have been doing stage shows from a very early age. Yes, I am a shy and soft spoken person. However, when I am on stage, performing in front of an audience, I let go of all my inhibitions.

9. What songs or albums have you released so far?
My first full album was released in 2002 titled "Manchitro" featuring 12 patriotic songs. I had one Adhunik song in a mixed album titled "Mixed Radio Mania 2" back in 2007 and another one in a 2011 album titled "Banglar Dhol".

Interview and photograph by 
Zia Nazmul Islam