Celebrating the legacy of Runa Laila

The iconic Runa Laila will be completing her fifth decade in music this year, and to mark the momentous occasion, Entourage Entertainment is hosting a concert. To pay tribute to the artiste, the concert -- to be held on April 10 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre – will also feature famed Indian singer Krishnakumar Kunnath (known better as KK) and Pakistani actor-singer Fawad Khan. Samreen Islam Ahmed, the CEO of Entourage Entertainment and a former model, spoke to The Daily Star about the concert.

“I had grown up in close quarters to Runa Laila; she was like family to us. Since my childhood, I used to try and sing like her, and dance to her songs.

Last year, when I attended a concert of hers after a long time I found out that this year would mark the golden jubilee of her career, and I decided to celebrate it in a grand way.

Since she is immensely popular in India and Pakistan as well, I thought of bringing in artistes from the two countries as well. KK is still such a familiar voice in Indian cinema and has given so many hits over the years that he was an automatic choice.

I am also a fan of Fawad Khan's acting, and he has gained popularity after the film 'Khoobsurat' in Bollywood. He is also a singer, so I thought of having him on the show. It took us a while to arrange everything, but we completed it successfully.

“My main goal is to honour Runa Laila's illustrious career through the programme. I feel she deserves more honour; and is more revered globally than here. She has sung songs in numerous languages, and is popular all over the world.

“I have had the support from producers in the UK who are part of Entourage Entertainment. They have been in the business for long, and with their experience in making big events happen, we have brought this idea to life.”

“Runa Laila was very excited when I told her of the event. We will invite special guests, cut a cake and show her our love in the best way we can, so she is obviously thrilled about it. Since I am somewhat of her niece and this the first event of my company, it's special for me too, to start off with an event for Runa Laila.”