Entertainment Desk:

Singer Kanak Chapa was one of the first artists who rushed to the hospital after learning of the death of Farida Parveen, a trailblazer in Bangladeshi music. Hailed as the ‘Queen of Lalongeeti’, the 70-year-old Natore-born singer took her last breath at 10:15 p.m. at a hospital in the capital.

“She was a learning tree, an inspiration,” she said. “Whenever I wanted to listen to songs by Lalon, it was her voice which drew me the most. We lost a guardian.”

The award-winning singer continued speaking, this time aiming her speech towards netizens, “Please, do not speak ill of artists who have passed away. Do not call them ‘sinners,’ because it is the artists who have no place to commit corruption. Neither do we endorse falsehoods, we simply make art.”

The entirety of Bangladesh’s entertainment industry was grief-stricken after losing this legendary singer to kidney complications.

“Ever since I was little, all I wanted to do was to sing,” said Beauty of Close-up One fame. “I came into this industry, trying to emulate Farida Parveen. She was one of the artists that took Lalon’s words beyond national barriers.”

Legendary actor Uzzal, visibly distraught, said, “An artist like this comes around maybe once in a hundred years; there surely won’t be anyone like her, anytime soon.”

“I express deep sorrow at the death of Farida Parveen,” wrote Shakib Khan, known as Bangladesh’s ‘Mega Star.’ “She was a shining light in our Lalon songs, Nazrul Sangeet, and patriotic songs. Her voice carried the soul and culture of the soil and people of Bengal. Her unique devotion and touch of melody will forever be remembered in our hearts.”

Legendary singer and Bangladeshi icon Runa Laila, unable to attend the funeral, joined over video call to pay her last respects to the singer.

In a condolence message on Saturday, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Dr. Mohammad Yunus, said, “Although Farida Parveen sang various types of songs including Nazrul Geeti and patriotic songs, she was known to listeners as ‘Lalonkonna’ (Daughter of Lalon). For five decades, the songs of Lalon Sai from her voice have touched people’s hearts. Her songs elevated the inherent philosophy and sense of life in our culture to a new level. Farida Parveen did not stay away from music despite various adversities. Her devotion to music has inspired generations.”

Farida Parveen’s body was taken to the central Shaheed Minar at 12 p.m. to allow people to pay their respects. She was laid to rest in her home district of Kushtia. Besides an everlasting legacy in music, she leaves behind four children.