Dhaka: Celebrated folk singer and the 'Queen of Lalon Geeti' Farida Parveen passed away at a hospital in the city tonight, sources confirmed. She was 71. She is survived by her husband and four children.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Farida Parveen had been suffering from kidney ailments for a long time. In recent weeks, her condition had worsened to the point that she required dialysis twice a week, hospital sources said. On September 2, she was taken to Universal Medical College Hospital in Mohakhali for her routine dialysis. However, following the procedure, her condition deteriorated, and physicians advised her immediate hospitalisation. She was then admitted to the hospital's ICU, where her condition remained critical. On Wednesday, her condition worsened further, and physicians decided to place her on ventilation support.
Farida Parveen left behind a legacy deeply rooted in Bangladeshi folk music. Her life, intertwined with Lalon's philosophy, stood as a testament to the power of music to inspire and elevate the human spirit. Born on December 31, 1954, in Natore and raised in Kushtia, she grew up in a cultural environment that nurtured her love for music from childhood. Guided by her father's encouragement, she began with lessons in classical music. But her life changed during a Dol Purnima festival in Kushtia, where she met Moksed Ali Shai, a renowned Lalon singer who became her mentor and introduced her to Lalon's songs and philosophy.
Lalon's mystic songs found their perfect interpreter in Farida's voice. Her performances transcended music, offering a spiritual experience that connected audiences with life's essence. Her rendition of 'Shatyo Bol Shupothey Chol' became symbolic of her life's compass. Although she rose to national fame in 1973 with the patriotic song 'Ei Padma Ei Meghna', it was her mastery of Lalon songs that established her as the country's 'Lalonkonya.' Albums like 'Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi' and 'Milon Hobe Koto Dine' capture the depth of Bangladeshi folk tradition.
Farida's contributions extended beyond performance. She founded the Farida Parveen Foundation to preserve and promote Lalon's music, mentoring young musicians and instilling in them values of sincerity and dedication. Her career brought her many accolades, including the Ekushey Padak in 1987 and the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 1993. In 2008, she received the prestigious Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize.
Her preservation efforts included working to notate and safeguard 100 of Lalon's songs for future generations. She envisioned establishing a university dedicated to studying Lalon's philosophy, reflecting her lifelong commitment to cultural heritage.