Dilshad Nahar Kona is one of the most prominent voices in the Bangladeshi music industry. Known for her melodious voice and versatility, she began her journey in a band and later built a successful solo career. Over the years, she has become a leading name in playback singing for films and dramas. Her journey, however, was built on years of dedication and continuous effort rather than overnight success.
Her recent releases include “Dilam Tomay Kotha” from the film “Malik”, and songs from the web film “Tajmahal”, including “Shohag Chand”. She also has several new playback songs releasing this Eid across films and dramas.
In a recent interview, Kona spoke about her Eid memories, childhood, music journey, and personal reflections on sacrifice and family life.
Talking about her childhood Eid memories, Kona said, “I grew up in Dhaka. But I remember we used to spend Eid-ul-Azha in the village a few times in my childhood. Eid-ul-Fitr used to be in Dhaka most of the time. And now, because of work pressure, we do not really go to the village for Eid.”
One of Kona’s strongest childhood memories comes from Eid-ul-Azha in the village. “In our childhood, during Eid-ul-Azha, not much used to happen. But I really liked one thing. In the village, not every house had a television. We had a small TV that ran on battery because there was no electricity. In Dhaka we had a TV, but in the village that battery TV was taken to the courtyard.”
She described how the entire village would gather. “During Eid, at around 3 pm, my father would switch on that TV in the courtyard. The whole courtyard would be full of people. Everyone would watch films together. For three days, films were shown during Eid. Everyone would gather and watch.” She said this experience feels unforgettable even now. “Today’s children may not even believe how a whole village could gather around one television. We used to follow the TV schedule and wait for programmes and dramas throughout the day.”
Talking about her musical journey, Kona shared that she started singing from a very young age. “In our house, there was a tradition. I used to sit with the harmonium and sing at night. I would perform songs for everyone.”
She also shared how her family responded to her early music practice. “Whenever I learned a new song, everyone would sit and listen. They would always ask, ‘What song have you learned?’ I used to feel a bit annoyed as a child. But now I feel it was a very beautiful memory.”
Reflecting on it, she said, “Now I think it was very beautiful because of family support. Without family support, I would not have come this far. When I hear people say they did not get family support, I feel really blessed.”
Speaking about the theme of sacrifice during Eid-ul-Azha, Kona related it to her personal life. “Sacrifice happens every day. I cannot give time to my family the way I should. My parents are at an age where I feel I should take more care of them. I do care for them, but I cannot give them enough time.”
She gave a simple example from her daily routine. “In the morning, when I leave after breakfast, my family is still sitting at home, having tea and talking. I feel I should sit with them for a while, but I have to leave for work.”
She also spoke about missing family and social events. “Because of work, I cannot attend many programmes with family and friends. As entertainers, we are busy during special days like Pahela Baishakh or other festivals.” However, she added, “But I also think that my identity is for my audience. If I can serve them, I feel fulfilled. That also brings me satisfaction.”
Kona also reflected on how Eid feels different now compared to her childhood.“Buying clothes, buying cattle — everything feels like a responsibility now. It feels mechanical. I even told my mother, maybe I have grown up, or maybe everything has become mechanical. I feel a little sad that the old feeling is not there anymore.”
Despite everything, Kona tries to keep Eid close to her family. “I usually spend Eid at home with my family. I invite everyone to come home. I cook, everyone comes, we eat and talk. I try to spend time with my family because I cannot do that on normal days.”
For Kona, Eid is a blend of nostalgia, responsibility and emotional distance shaped by a busy professional life. From courtyard television gatherings in her childhood village to balancing a demanding music career today, her memories reflect both change and continuity. While she misses the simplicity of earlier times, she continues to find meaning in family, music and her connection with her audience.
