Photo: Star

Eminent singer Samina Chowdhury was born on this day in 1966 in Dinajpur. She studied in Agrani School and College in Dhaka.

The singer dearly misses her fifth birthday, when her father, renowned singer Mahmudun Nabi, and mother Rashida Chowdhury, organised a big event for her. "Childhood memories of my birthdays are truly special," says Samina.

Born to a family of singers, she had a penchant for singing since childhood. At the age of 11, she won the first position in "Notun Kuri" by singing a patriotic song.

Samina debuted as a playback singer in "Ekbar Jodi Keu Bhalobashto", a composition of lyrics by Amjad Hossain and music by Alauddin Ali, for the film, "Jonmo Theke Jolechi", in 1981. She was a seventh grader then. Later on, Samina began performing on both TV and radio. Her first audio album, called "Shoishober Dingulo", was released in 1986. Naquib Khan directed the music for the album.

Although she usually does not wish to plan huge birthday celebrations, some of her loved ones visit her on this day, which is why she cooks, and bakes a cake.

Samina also gifts her mother on her birthday and in turn, receives a gift from her son on his birthday – this has been an exciting tradition in the family for quite some time.

The singer has also been gifting her fans with a new song on her birthdays, since the last four years. She has been extensively using YouTube to release her songs, for two years now. Samina recorded "Chhoa Ki Jay", a Suchita Nahid Salam composition, arranged by Sajjad Kabir, yesterday. It is due to be released soon.

Some of her hit songs from films are "Amar Buker Moddhekhane", "Amar Gorur Garite Bou Shajiye", "Amar Majhe Nei Ekhon Ami", and 'Hou Jodi Oi Neel Akash, among others. In 2006, she received a National Film Award for "Amar Majhe Nei Ekhon Ami", a song for the film, "Ranikuthir Baki Itihash".

"Kobita Porar Prohor Esheche Rater Nirjone", a song with the lyrics by Kausar Ahmed, and music by Lucky Akhand is favourite amongst Samina's fans.  Some of her other popular songs are "Oi Jhinuk Fota Shagor Belay", '"Ei Jaduta Shotti Hoye Jeto", "Kono Ek Shundori Rate", "Tumi Ele Paye Paye Ful Fote Ful Jhore", "Amar Dui Chokhe Dui Nodi" and "Shat Bhai Champa".

Besides film songs and modern compositions, the singer has also mesmerised listeners with her performances of Rabindra Sangeet.

Translated by Farah Kabir