Runa Laila Captivates Sydney Audience After 12-Year Hiatus
Legendary subcontinent singer Runa Laila returned to the Sydney stage after a 12-year absence, performing for nearly two thousand expatriate Bangladeshis at the Northwest Convention Centre on a recent Saturday evening. The audience gave her a standing ovation upon her arrival, and at 73 years old, she delivered a powerful performance of her hit songs, culminating in a joyous rendition of 'Damadam Mast Qalandar' that had the entire venue erupting in applause and singing along. The event, titled 'Bangladesh Night 2026,' marked the 10th anniversary of 'Listen For' and served as a significant cultural gathering for the Bangladeshi diaspora in Sydney. A 25-member delegation from Bangladesh, including artists and technicians, participated in the program, which was hosted by Priyota Iftekhar. Earlier in the evening, artist Pintoo Ghosh performed, setting a musical atmosphere with his renditions of various songs, including those dedicated to the Language Movement, before captivating the audience with Sufi music. Music director and artist Emon Chowdhury, accompanied by 'Bengal Symphony,' also presented a fusion of folk, modern, and fusion music, starting with the soothing sound of the esraj. Other performers included Aleya Begum, Mithun Chak, and Irfan Mridha Shibli. As a tribute to Runa Laila's over six-decade career, actress Nazneen Niha presented her with a special honor. A commemorative wall featuring vinyl records, photographs, and memorabilia from Runa Laila's career also drew crowds. The event included a 'Sing With Laila' competition to discover new talent among expatriates, with Runa Laila herself selecting Elora Khan as the winner, who then performed a duet with her. The organization 'Listen For,' represented by Mahmud Emon, expressed pride in delivering an international-standard cultural event to the Sydney community, aiming to create lasting memories for the Bangladeshi diaspora.
This cultural event highlights the growing demand for large-scale, international-standard artistic gatherings among expatriate communities, serving not only as entertainment but also as a vital means of cultural preservation and identity reinforcement. The successful staging of 'Bangladesh Night 2026' by 'Listen For' underscores the organizational capacity required to bridge geographical distances and connect diasporic populations with their cultural heritage. Such events foster a sense of belonging and national pride, potentially influencing intergenerational cultural transmission and strengthening the global presence of Bangladeshi arts. The inclusion of a talent competition and the recognition of established artists like Runa Laila demonstrate a multi-faceted approach to cultural engagement, aiming to both celebrate legacy and nurture future talent within the diaspora.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.