Sabina Yasmin entered the music world at 13, first honorarium was Tk 500
Sabina Yasmin. Photo: Collected
When a little seven-year-old girl first stood on stage and sang a song or spread melodies through the radio program “Khelaghar” perhaps the Bangla music industry had already found its future undisputed empress. That little girl who grew up receiving musical training from childhood is today’s legendary singer Sabina Yasmin.
Today is Sabina Yasmin’s birthday. She was born on this day in 1954. Although she is now in her seventies her musical brilliance remains equally radiant in the world of Bangla music. Generations of listeners have been captivated by the magic of her voice through love grief and patriotism.
She made her debut as a child artist in the 1962 film “Notun Sur” with music composed by Robin Ghosh. However, her journey as a full-fledged playback singer in adult films began with the 1967 movie “Agun Niye Khela.” After that there was no looking back. In 1972 she achieved nationwide popularity for the first time by singing the song “Shudhu Gaan Geye Porichoy” from the film “Obujh Mon.”
Then began an extraordinary chapter of awards and recognition. At the first National Film Awards held in 1976 she was recognized as the Best Female Playback Singer for the song “Shob Shokhire Par Korite” from the film “Sujon Sokhi.” She then won National Film Awards four times in a row by singing in “Golapi Ekhon Train-e” in 1978 “Shundori” in 1979 and “Kosai” in 1980 securing her dominance in the industry.
The 1980s saw the release of many timeless songs in her voice including “Jonmo Theke Jolchhi Mago” “Ami Rajanigondha Phuler Moto” and “Chithi Dio Protidin.”
During this decade she also won four consecutive National Film Awards for the films “Chandranath” in 1984 “Premik” in 1985 “Rajlokkhi Srikanto” in 1987 and “Dui Jibon” in 1988.
Later she won a total of 14 National Film Awards for films including “Danga” “Radha Krishna” “Dui Duari” “Dui Noyoner Alo” “Devdas” and most recently “Putro” in 2018. The legendary singer has also received six BACHSAS Awards.
However, her contribution is not limited to film songs. She has established herself as one of the best performers in every genre from classical and traditional music to folk and modern songs. In particular her renditions of “Jonmo Amar Dhonno Holo Ma Go” “Shob Ko’ta Janala Khule Dao Na” “O Amar Bangla Ma” “Majhi Nao Chhariya De” “Shundor Shuborno” and “Ekti Bangladesh Tumi Jagroto Jonotar” have kept the eternal flame of patriotism burning in the hearts of every Bengali.
In recognition of her unparalleled contribution to music the Government of Bangladesh awarded her the Ekushey Padak in 1984 and the Independence Award in 1996 which is the country’s highest civilian honor.
Having held on to music through every stage of her life this talented artist is also widely acclaimed internationally for the magic of her voice. Through singing she has traveled to various parts of the world. She has also won the hearts of listeners by performing songs in different languages.
She has also made her presence felt in the field of acting. The legendary artist appeared in front of the camera by acting in the film “Ulka” by renowned lyricist and filmmaker Gazi Mazharul Anwar.
From the little girl of “Khelaghar” to today’s empress of melody Sabina Yasmin’s journey is not merely the story of an artist. It is an epic chapter in the golden history of Bangla music.
