Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 924 Thu. January 04, 2007  
   
Culture


In Memoriam
Shefali Ghosh: Uncrowned queen of regional songs


Folk singer Shefali Ghosh, widely known as the 'Queen of regional songs', passed away on December 31 in Chittagong. She never fully recovered after suffering from cerebral hemorrhage in April 2006.

Embarking on her musical career at the age of seven, Shefali gained tremendous popularity for the 'dramatic presentation' of regional songs of Chittagong.

Shefali's songs, such as O shami Rangoon-e na jaiyo, Orey shampanwala, Jodi shundor ekkhan mukh paitam and others depict the history, tradition and culture of Chittagong. Malka Banur deshey rey, a song by Shefali, has become an integral part of wedding celebrations in rural Bangladesh. Shefali and co-artiste Shyamsundar Baishnab created ripples in the '70s with their spirited duets.

A singer of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, Shefali was centre stage in many historical moments of the country. She rendered songs during the inauguration of the television centres at Dhaka and Chittagong.

A popular singer of Bangladesh Television and radio, Shefali received several awards in her glorious music career. Among these were Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award in 2003, Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002 from Bangla Academy, Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendrer Shabdo Shainik Award in 1990 and others. Moreover, in 1998, Bangla Academy published a collection of 396 regional songs by her. She also rendered songs at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

In addition, Shefali has done playback for several films like Malka Banu, Madhumita, Bashundhara and others. Glamour International, a London based production company, has released two of her albums in UK. Milfa Limited released her LP in 1978 in UK. Over 60 albums of her regional songs are available in the market.

Shefali Ghosh was cremated with full state honour.

The Daily Star grieves the death of the gifted artiste.

Picture
. PHOTO: STAR