“I love Middle Eastern food”

Popular singer Konal won the hearts of the country since her Channel i-Shera Kontho days, and these days she has been hopping from district to district since the beginning, serenading thousands of fans. Recently the artiste made some time for a quick chat with The Daily Star, on her recent songs, and more.

What are you working on?

Konal: Right now I am not doing anything new, as this is the season for stage shows and concerts within the country and abroad. But I recently sang the title track for a film called “Jannat” with Bappa Mazumdar, which was composed by Emon Shaha. I also teamed up with Tahsan for a song called “Jodi Ekdin” which was composed by Navid.

What do you like doing on your time off?

Konal: There's no time off; there's only time on! I work for a private TV channel as their creative head, so I have to be there on and off whenever I'm not singing. Till the end of May I will be performing in various stage shows around different districts of the country. I feel blessed, because this is what I love to do. But if I did have some time to myself, I'd cook - as I love to eat, or watch TV. I also paint sometimes, and I love nothing more than spending time with my family.

Do you have a favourite cuisine?

Konal: I love all cuisines as long as the food is halal. I love Bangla cuisine because it is what I grew up on. I also love Middle Eastern food, since I grew up in the Gulf.

Do you have any superstitions?

Konal: I don't know if this counts as one, but before I sing on stage or at the recording studio, I always touch the mic, and say “Salaam”. I do the same to the stage I'm performing on. And before I leave the house, I have to talk to mom and receive her blessings. I don't think it's so much a superstitious ritual, as much as showing respect.

What was your first on-stage experience like?

Konal: I was so young back then! I used to live in Mohammadpur where there was a field nearby. I used to sing there with my mother accompanying me on the harmonium. I was so little, that people couldn't see me, and so I had to be lifted up onto a table. I remember feeling terrified, but once the crowd cheered, I felt such euphoria.

You spent a considerable time of your early life in Kuwait. What about your days there do you miss the most?

Konal: I think it would be the food! All the falafels, kebabs, shawarmas, and so much more. Elita, who is a dear friend, also grew up in the Middle East used to always ask me to bring back a couple of shawarmas for her.