From Bangladesh to Global Stardom: Shakila's Inspiring Discography

**Introduction and Background:**
Can you tell us about your journey into the world of music? What inspired you to pursue pop and ghazal genres?

Shakila said, Since it is a part of schooling to learn about the arts for children in Bangladesh, I started learning music from the age of 8 and was performing in programs as a child artist in radio and television. Participating in functions and competitions, I took music seriously and trained in classical scales (ragas) in the College of Music, a well known institution run by Barin Majumdar. Continuing music, along with a formal education, (a masters degree in Mass Communication and Journalism), I began to train under Begum Perveen Sultana and Ustad Md Dilshad Khan in Mumbai, India. 

I've grown up listening to all genres of music and sang without reservations. Classical training is a must for recording all types of music and once you have the basic skill, it is enjoyable to sing and easy to love different styles. I hear the beauty of notes in all music and i dont categorize music by genre, but as songs which I find appealing. 
There wasn't a particular moment when I decided to pursue music. It was a natural flow in life, I never lived without music. Since, there is no end to learning classical music, my journey continues..
 
My style is inherently and uniquely my own. Even though I'm inspired by countless legendary singers, instrumentalists, composers, writers, I think what I desire is to sound like myself! I feel, the only way to have an identity is to be original and recognizable by your tonal quality, style, and your choice of music. 
I believe, the mere fact that I embraced all genres of music set me apart from others at a time, when my contemporaries like Hadiqa kiyani, Atif Aslam, various bands, all sang Pop and Tina Sani, Gulbahar Bano and others sang ghazals mostly.

**Career and Achievements:**
What have been some of the highlights of your career so far?

Singing compositions by incredible composers, Nisar Bazmi, Ustad Zafar Ali Khan, Ustad Dilshad Khan, Ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali are a few I would like to mention. Singing for Bernardo Bertolucci's movie Little Buddha, the music score by Ustad Zakir Hussain, a ghazal album composed by Hariharan were also milestones. Receiving awards from various organizations and institutions as best female vocalist, are achievements.

There are innumerable unforgettable experiences I can recount, some, with legends who have left us, music sessions with Mehdi Hasan Khan, Ustad Rais Khan, concerts and travels with Abida Perveen, Farida Khanum and many more. One memorable incident was a concert of mine which Ahmed Faraz sahab attended. He requested me to sing Ranjish hi sahi and even though it was a daunting task, I complied. He came up on stage and said, I'm here as a guest and didnt wish to speak, but after listening to Shakila I wanted to say, perhaps I dont write ghazals, being a Pathan, as well as she sings them, being a Bengali! It was a compliment, paid in true poetic fashion and remains entrenched in my mind. We did concerts together after that, with Faraz sahab recitating and myself, singing his ghazals. The support from a poet of his stature impacted my musical journey immensely. I was also fortunate to be a protege of the renowned artist, Anwar Maqsood sahab, who introduced me and promoted me.  

**Creative Process:**
So Shakila how do you typically approach the process of creating a new song? Are there any specific themes or messages you aim to convey through your music?

Shakila said, I wish there was a method one could follow to be creative! Life would be easy. The process sometimes, takes me any number of days and at other times, minutes! As I am constantly thinking, breathing music, I dont have a set timeframe or mental disposition to approach the formation of a song. Some creative thought is always playing in my head! Inspiration from any source is an important ingredient for creative flow and for ghazals, of course the lyricality and philosophical aspect interests me the most. Social issues, spiritual poems have motivated me to research and compose many lyrics and compose music for poems by traditional and contemporary poets. One aim has been to revive and introduce the philosophy of the great poets, specially revolutionary poets like, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Allama Iqbal, Nazrul Islam who sought to bring positive change in society.      

**Influences and Inspirations:**
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both within and outside of the pop and ghazal genres? How have these influences shaped your artistic identity?

Hmmmm Different artists drew me to their genres of music throughout my life. Growing up in a somewhat western environment and going to a school mainly with expat's children, I was exposed to pop, rock, hard rock. I was the lead singer of a band in which, Noyon, a talented guitarist and youngest brother of pop star Alamgir, also belonged, and we played our favorite bands, Santana, Dire Straits, The Eagles etc.
 
I was tremendously influenced by Mehdi Hasan sahab, who's singing style developed an undying love of ghazals in me. I tried to emulate Begum Akhter and Iqbal Banu to a large extend initially too.It was always challenging  to sing Nazrul sangeet and I was influenced by Manobendro Mukherji. My listening favorites have always been Ustad Amir Khan, Ustad Rashid Khan, Pundit Jagdish Prashad in raw classical. But no matter who I listened to, my artistic identity remained my own, which is what I wanted right from the start.

**Challenges and Growth:**
What are some challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how have you overcome them? How do you see yourself evolving as an artist in the coming years?

Shakila said, the major challenge I've faced in my career is the move from one country to another. It was difficult to form a base anywhere and I pretty much had to start anew, everywhere I went to live. I had 2 albums released in Bangladesh and India, when I went to live in England. Hariharan, who was a friend and stayed with me in London, composed ghazals and we recorded, my most popular album, Nayee Baat. At the same time, I met Ustad Zakir Hussain and recorded for the soundtrack of the movie Little Buddha. Just as I started circulating in the music scene in London, performing and recording, I moved to Pakistan. I had to start from scratch and the only person I knew in Karachi, was Alamgir, who introduced me to some music circles. Singing in a foreign country, in a foreign language wasn't easy, but i think I overcame that challenge because of the love and support I received in Pakistan. At present, settled in USA, I perform a lot, as I'm known by most people, but developing an environment of non-mainstream music and doing recordings is a challenge. Also, not being called for thematic projects is difficult, not being present in the subcontinent.
     
In the coming years, my greatest desire is to be an accomplished classical singer. I've sung, like most commercial vocalists all kinds of songs, but didn't devote the time, patience and dedication required for classical singing. I hope to accomplish that feat.

**Audience and Impact:**
How do you connect with your audience through your music? What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

I'm often told by my live audience, in particular, that they are not only entertained but educated when they attend my concerts! I insist that the audience are informed about the writer, composer of my songs and I elaborate on the scales as well. I try to sing mostly original and rarely sung songs rather than what they hear all the time from every performer. Every time I introduce new songs, which is why I'm at booked to sing for the same organizations multiple times. I hope listeners feel that they were not merely entertained but they enhanced their musical esthetics. 

**Current Projects and Future Plans:**
Can you share any details about your current projects or upcoming releases? What are your aspirations for the future, both musically and personally?

My most recent project is completing a couple of ghazals composed by the ghazal maestro, Ghulam Ali sahab. Other than Asha Bhosle, I believe I'm the only female singer he has composed for. This project is also an effort to bring the Bangladesh and Pakistan together through music and poetry. I'm also recording more and more songs to keep building up a library of reference material music.
 
I've already mentioned singing khayals as my musical aspiration and personally, I'm grateful to be at point in life when I can look back and say, I'll leave some legacy behind!     

**Advice for Aspiring Musicians:**
What advice would you give to young musicians looking to establish themselves in the industry? How important is it, in your opinion, for artists to stay true to their own unique style?

Classical training is a must for recording all types of music and once you have the basic skill, you can improvise and be original. Even though, this is a boring task for many, but I promise, you will find joy in it like no other, once you get the hang of it!! My advice is to learn the trade you want to excel in, not rush in and be lost without making a mark.

**Personal Insights:**
Outside of music, what are some of your hobbies or interests? Is there a side of you that your fans might be surprised to know about?

I have too many hobbies, which takes up valuable time from practicing music, but I still need to delve in, not only for relaxation or diversion, but due to my avid interest in each of them. I write as a freelancer, am writing a novel of short stories and a collection of memorable moments with legendary artists. I also dapple in oil and acrylic painting! 

**Message to Fans:**
 Finally, is there anything you would like to say to your fans who have supported you throughout your career?

To my fans, I am eternally grateful for expressing their love and continuing support and apologize for not posting enough vlogs and shorts as they request. I wish them success in all their endeavors and that I am always available for any music tips or help they may want. Blessings to all!   

We truly value having you here with us today. Shakila Your journey from an aspiring artist in Bangladesh to a well-known vocalist with a large international fan base is quite inspiring. Your unique style, dedication to classical training, and ability to bridge cultural gaps via music are truly remarkable. Your dedication and individuality serve as an example to many. Thank you, and best of luck to you in the future.