Sabina Yasmin: A voice with history
When a little girl of seven years old sang on stage for the first time, or sang her heart out on the radio’s ‘Khelaghor’ programme, perhaps the world of Bengali music found its future empress.
That little girl, who grew up with the initiation of music since childhood, is today’s legendary vocalist Sabina Yasmin.
September 4 was the birthday of Sabina Yasmin. She was born on this day in 1954.
Even though she has crossed the age of 70, her melody still shines brightly in the world of Bengali music. Generation after generation has been captivated by the magic of her voice, whether it be in love, separation, or patriotism.
Although she made her debut as a child artiste in the film ‘Notun Sur’ composed by Robin Ghosh in 1962, her journey as a full-fledged playback singer in adult films began with the film ‘Agun Niye Khela’ in 1967. After that, there was no looking back.
In 1972, she first gained immense popularity across the country by singing the song ‘Shudhu Gaan Geye Porichoy’ in film ‘Abujh Mon’.
Then began a unique chapter of awards and recognition. She was recognised as the best female vocalist for the song ‘Sob Sokhire Par Korite’ from the movie ‘Sujon Sokhi’ at the 1st National Film Awards held in 1976.
She then secured her supremacy by winning four consecutive National Film Awards by singing songs in the movies ‘Golapi Ekhon Traine’ in 1978, ‘Sundori’ in 1979 and ‘Kosai’ in 1980.
In the eighties, all the timeless songs came out of her voice – ‘Jonmo Theke Jwolchhi Maa Go’, ‘Ami Rojonigondha Fuler Moto’, or ‘Chithi Dio Protidin’.
In this decade too, she won four consecutive National Film Awards for the films ‘Chandranath’ (1984), ‘Premik’ (1985), ‘Rajalakshmi Srikanth’ (1987) and ‘Dui Jibon’ (1988). Later, this magician of tunes won a total of 14 National Film Awards for the films ‘Danga’, ‘Radha Krishna’, ‘Dui Duari’, ‘Dui Noyoner Alo’, ‘Devdas’ and most recently ‘Putro’ in 2018.
She has also won 6 BACHSAS Awards. But not only film songs; Sabina has proven herself to be the best in every genre of music, from classical, to folk songs to modern songs.
Especially in her voice, songs like ‘Jonmo Amar Dhonyo Holo Maa Go’, ‘Shob Kota Janala Khule Dao Na’, ‘O Amar Bangla Maa’, ‘Majhi Nao Chhaira De’, ‘Sundor Suborno’ and ‘Ekti Bangladesh Tumi Jagroto Jonotar’ have lit the immortal flame of patriotism in the hearts of every Bengali.
In recognition of Sabina’s unparalleled contribution to music, the Bangladesh government awarded her the ‘Ekushey Padak’ in 1984 and the country’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Independence Award’ in 1996.
Sabina Yasmin, a talented artiste who has embraced music in every aspect of her life, is well-respected in international arena for her magical melodies that transcend national borders.
She has travelled to different parts of the world thanks to her singing. She has also lent her voice to songs in different languages to win hearts of the audience.
Not only in singing, but also in field of acting, she presented herself in front of the camera by acting in a film titled ‘Ulka’ by renowned lyricist and filmmaker Gazi Mazharul Anwar.
From a little playground girl to today’s empress of music, Sabina Yasmin’s journey is not just the story of an artiste, but an epic poem in golden history of Bengali music.
