A cup of tea with Reshmi

Tell us a little about yourself.

There's not much about me to share. An enthusiast singer, a music lover, that is how I would like to introduce myself. My favorite pass time is listening to music and the work I love to do the most is singing.

When did you first realize your passion for music and how?

Music runs in my family. I used to wake up with the melody of jingles as my father, Mirza Golam Rasul, a music-maestro himself, used to give his students regular music lessons. I even used to accompany him to his music Academy only to listen and observe how his students used to sing. My first attempt towards bringing my passion in front of the nation was when I participated in a competition named Jatiyo Shikkka Shoptaho 2001. There, I performed some patriotic and folk song, solo and even with a troupe. That very moment was the kickstart of my career.

Is your taste in music limited to folk-songs only?

I love listening to various kinds of music- may it be regional, local or international. My fascination towards folk-music and patriotic songs are due to their lyrics, the tunes that are closer to us, closer to the sole of our mother nation.

Who has been you mentor, your guide to and through the path of music?

As I mentioned earlier, everyone in the family-my mother, father and even my elder sister has great ally with music. My father was my mentor throughout while my mother was the perfect home tutor anyone would ask for after school. But my elder sister has been my biggest influence. My journey on the path of music commenced with her. She encouraged me and even drew my father's attention towards my singing when I was too afraid to even ask for it. My father used to focus on her music lessons more and even used to take her along to many of his functions which sometimes used to make me feel a little envious.

When we came to Dhaka for the reality show Power Voice, we were groomed by Tanvir Alam Shojib Sir through the journey, and since then, if not always, I visit him for advice and supervision on music whenever he has the time to.

Have you always aspired to be a singer?

To be honest, I had different plans for future in my childhood. I was good in sports and thus wanted to be an Army officer. But the ambiance I grew up in led me to the path of music from a very tender age. Music has been my passion throughout.

Mind sharing with us one of your funny stories related to your love for music?

Funny stories are many. One that I can recall of right now was during my first-time-ever to see Farida Parvin performing live at a concert. I was smitten with the spell of her melody to an extent where I fell off my chair in-front of the whole crowd. It was really embarrassing.

Name some of your favorite music artists in the Bangladesh Music Industry.

Its impossible to reckon the number. To name a few, among seniors I immensely admire Shahanaz Rahamatullah, Farida Parveen, Runa Laila, Sabina Yasmin, Fahmida Nabi, Samina Chowdhury and many others. One male singer I drool over would be none other than James. I like him and his work a lot.

Our neighboring country is extracting our local folk-songs and giving them a new, modern form. Please share your opinion regarding this.

To me, our songs are most beautiful when sung by the singers of our country because only then, the essence of the song along with the emotion attached to the lyrics remain intact.

How do you plan to proceed towards future?

I love doing open concerts, so I want to keep on doing them. We're in an era where audio albums are least accepted. The industry is advancing and so are we. People like different kind of music now and the industry is trying hard to serve it the way the listeners want. Wind of Change is one such innovative platform- a dream-come-true for Taposh Da. I am fortunate to have performed on that stage, with him a few times. I have already given voice for a web-film and doing shows here and abroad. I want to do very good works with my team. To conclude, I want to leave behind an unforgettable trail of music behind. My accomplishments are nothing compared to my father, but I want to make him more and more proud.