It is a new feather in her cap. Veteran singer Runa Laila has been named as one of the jury board members of India’s highest award in cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2015. The leading Bangla daily Prothom Alo has published an interview with the prolific artist.How do you feel being the jury board member of Dadasaheb Phalke Award?
I am delighted. I express my heartiest thanks to the Dadasaheb Phalke Award authorities for giving me the honour. Till date, no one outside India had been named among the jury of this award.
When were you invited?
I received a letter from Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation on 16 January, asking me if I agree to be a member of the jury. I gave my consent to be the jury member on Saturday. The programme will be held this April. The jury board members have to give their opinion first.
This will be different than judging other shows.
Exactly. This is not a reality show. It is a great honour to be a jury member of Dadasaheb Phalke Awards. It is a great honour for Bangladesh as well.
Many veterans received this award for their outstanding performance in films since 1969. I heard newcomers too will be awarded this time. I will get to know everything clearly when I would visit there.
Are you going to visit Kolkata?
I have a show in Kolkata on Monday. Recently, I have done an amazing show in Ahmedabad.
Are you busier this year?
I have not increased the number of shows. Organisers from home and abroad are interested about my performance. I try to select the good shows.
How is it going on with playback in movies?
I am a regular artiste in playback. Recently, I voiced a song composed by Ali Akram in the movie titled Punku Jamai.
