Mahnaz Karim: A new voice of Rabindra Sangeet

Mahnaz Karim Hossain grew up in a musical household. With influences of her culturally-involved father and her paternal grandmother who mastered the piano, sitar, esraj and also vocals, her home had a very musical atmosphere, and Rabindra Sangeet was everyone's most popular choice. She learned basic classical music from Ustad Barkat Hossain, and has currently been training in Rabindra Sangeet under Salma Akbar for the past couple of years. In a recent interview with The Daily Star, Mahnaz spoke about her music and upcoming work.

Why did you choose Rabindra Sangeet as your preferred discipline?

Mahnaz: Listening to Rabindra Sangeet while growing up accustomed my ears and voice to it. Listening to Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya always inspired me; the desire to sing Rabindra Sangeet actually stemmed from listening to her. And then, his lyrics are something I was closely drawn to. It's how people say Rabindranath's lyrics can read everyone's minds.

When did you give your first performance? What other works have you done?

Mahnaz: At the age of two, I performed one of Rabindranath's poems - a rather long one, at the Officer's Club programme. Everyone was surprised that a toddler was performing a Tagore poem. My maternal grandmother did a wonderful job in teaching me the poem thoroughly. Around 2012-'13, I felt like I should do something with my music; leave behind something for others to cherish and remember me by. My friend, also a singer, Nandita Yasmin helped me contact people in Kolkata and in 2014, I released a CD titled “Tumi Je Amare Chao”. I have some major work in the pipeline, in collaboration with a singer from Kolkata, but nothing is finalised yet. I have done some shows, and private functions. I have a solo show today, July 14, at the National Museum.

You entered the music scene later in life than most do. Why is that?

Mahnaz: I am a very shy person. My cousin Mehreen is a well-known pop singer, and has always had the most confidence among us. I always sang for myself. From the belief that one should not come forward without enough practice, I held myself back. I just waited until I was ready. I believe music is something that requires a lot of love and passion.