Renowned Nazrul Sangeet artiste Ferdous Ara is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Channel i Music Awards. The prestigious recognition will be presented during a grand ceremony on May 19 at a five-star hotel in Dhaka.

The award's confirmation came from Iftikhar Munim, producer of the Channel i Music Awards, who spoke to Prothom Alo last Monday.

Expressing her heartfelt gratitude, Ferdous Ara described the recognition as both an honour and a fresh source of motivation in her ongoing musical journey. She stated that receiving such accolades while still active in the field strengthens an artiste's commitment to their craft.

Reflecting on the broader significance of the awards, she noted the lack of dedicated platforms for music in Bangladesh. "We rarely see events in our country that focus exclusively on music," she said.

Ara commended Channel i for its consistent efforts over the past two decades in recognising a diverse range of musical traditions, including Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, classical, modern, and film music.

Photo: Collected

"By celebrating different branches of music, the Channel i Music Awards help uplift and energise the entire musical community," she added.

In a cultural landscape where artists often have to navigate adversity, such recognition, Ara believes, is a vital morale booster.

"In a country where cultural figures face constant challenges, awards like these offer meaningful encouragement," she said.

The Lifetime Achievement Award follows another major recognition for Ferdous Ara this year—the prestigious Ekushey Padak. Addressing comments that the award came later than expected, she said:

"Some people felt it was delayed, but I believe it arrived at the right time for me."

She also spoke passionately about the importance of recognising artistes during their productive years:

"Awards should be given while artistes are still creating and contributing. That's when recognition can truly empower them to do more."

Ara continues to remain active in the music scene, both as a performer and a teacher. She believes posthumous or late-stage awards lack the impact they are meant to have.

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"Artistes can play a powerful role in enlightening society. I'm still performing and teaching. Recognising someone only after they're no longer able to contribute doesn't hold the same meaning—it may fulfill a formality, but it doesn't truly honour their legacy," she said.