A Musical Conversation with Sheikh Lana - Bonomita Ghosh

 

A Musical Conversation with Sheikh Lana

Hosted by Bonomita Ghosh

If life is a vast canvas, Sheikh Lana paints it with vibrant dreams and sings poetic verses in melody. Her journey into music is guided by a deep emotional resonance, and her devotion to the art has been unwavering since childhood. 

From performing at family gatherings to becoming a listed artist on Bangladesh Betar and BTV, her path is one of inspiration. Be it Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, or her own original songs—she seeks a spiritual connection through each note.

In today’s conversation, we present to our readers her beloved songs and the heartfelt emotions that define her artistic soul.

Bonomita: Tell us the story of how you first stepped into the world of music. When and where did you first sing?

Sheikh Lana: I think I began speaking and singing around the same time! Music was always within me. My first performance was probably at a family event. I especially loved Papia Sarwar’s renditions of Rabindra Sangeet. Later, I began formal training in classical music, around the time I was in eighth grade. Then came a moment when I performed in front of a massive audience—it was a big stage. That marked my entry into the world of music. Eventually, I became a listed artist of Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, and ever since, I’ve been walking this melodic path with love in my heart.

Bonomita: Suppose you had to sing a Nazrul Geeti today that matches your current mood—which one would it be?

Sheikh Lana: What a lovely question! Nazrul’s music is very close to my soul. The first song that comes to mind right now is "Noyon Bhora Jol Go Tomar." Many people categorize songs by gender—saying this is a man’s song, or that’s for women—but I don’t see music that way. For me, the emotion of a song is what truly matters. Another song I hold close is "Amar Aponar Majhe Apon Je Jon." That one always lives inside me.

Bonomita: Among Tumi, Moner Majhe, Bangladesh, Ekhon Ar Nei, and Roder Kachhe Rin, which song is your favorite?

Sheikh Lana: That’s a very difficult question—not as easy as the last one. These songs are all like my children. Each one has a different story. Behind every song—whether it's the lyricist, the composer, or the instrumentalists—there are shared experiences. Every time I perform one, it feels like I’m doing something new. But if I had to single one out, there’s a song that made me feel incredibly strong during a difficult time. Singing it felt like I poured my entire heart into it.

Bonomita: This year, you recorded a new song titled "Tumi", written by Ketan Sheikh. Tell us about it.

Sheikh Lana: This song carries a certain depth—it reflects my time, my experiences, my love, and my sense of fulfillment. Ketan Sheikh wrote the lyrics ten years ago. A decade later, Joy Shahriar composed it, and I had the honor of singing it. While performing, it felt like I was telling my own story. The melody seemed to emerge effortlessly from within. It felt as though the song was meant to be sung exactly this way. The positive responses and the love I’ve received from listeners made it a truly rewarding experience.

Bonomita: As an architect, imagine there's a house you’ve designed where, through a particular window, the same song will float in for a lifetime. What song would that be?

Sheikh Lana: What a beautiful question. In architecture, windows are incredibly important. Since I paint as well, I have a special fondness for windows. They influence not just the form of a house but also the human mind and imagination. If I had to choose one song to hear through such a window for the rest of my life, it would be "Kothao Amar Harie Jawar Nei Mana." Why? Because the window of the mind is always open—and through it, we can escape anywhere we please! (laughs)

Bonomita: Many artists say that songwriting or singing is a form of self-inquiry. What does music mean to you?

Sheikh Lana: Singing is my life, my love. I believe that the thing we love most in life is often the thing we never fully possess. That’s why we keep striving toward it endlessly. For me, music is like that. I’m constantly trying to embrace it, and I will keep doing so for the rest of my life.

Bonomita: Share a fun or memorable story related to music.

Sheikh Lana: Something once happened during a stage performance. While I was singing, someone in the audience said aloud, “Where did you find such a sweet voice?”

My husband, sitting beside me, mischievously replied, “It sounds sweet now? Come over to our house sometime—you’ll hear what it really sounds like!” (laughs)

Bonomita: What is your biggest dream related to music?

Sheikh Lana: My dream is to leave behind beautiful songs in the treasure trove of Bengali music. To support and encourage those who are doing good work, and to contribute however I can.

Bonomita: Complete this sentence in one word: “If there were no music in life—”

Sheikh Lana: I wouldn’t exist.

Bonomita: What song usually plays in your mind while working at the drawing board?

Sheikh Lana: It varies. I work with watercolor, I sketch—I hum all sorts of songs while working. For instance, I have a sketch inspired by the song Tumi. There's a line in that song—"She oray rongin fanush" (She flies colorful lanterns). I found that line so beautiful. It made me think of dreams floating across the evening sky like lanterns—carrying messages of peace, illuminating the world. While painting, these ideas would swirl in my mind and shape the image.

Bonomita: Thank you so much for giving your time to Shobdo Mukur.

Sheikh Lana: Thank you as well.

Sheikh Lana believes that music is love, devotion, and a constant search for self. Her voice carries a calm warmth, and her thoughts reflect the wisdom of experience. Her statement—"If there’s no music in life, I don’t exist"—feels like the essence of her artistic journey. With the dream of contributing timeless songs to Bangla music and supporting emerging talents, Sheikh Lana continues her melodic path. Like her, we too believe: one can build and rediscover oneself through their own creation.

© Shobdomukur

Published in shobdomukur.com