Legendary singer Ferdousi Rahman releases autobiography on 85th birthday
Legendary singer Ferdousi Rahman releases autobiography on 85th birthday
Renowned Bangladeshi singer Ferdousi Rahman celebrated her 85th birthday on June 28 with the release of her autobiography, *Loke Bole Prem, Ami Boli Jwala*. Published by Prothoma Prokashan, the book offers an intimate look into the life of a cultural icon whose influence has spanned generations.
Born into a family steeped in music as the daughter of the legendary Abbasuddin Ahmad, Rahman credits her late father as her primary mentor and guiding force. In her autobiography, she reflects on how her father, who envisioned her as an independent woman capable of taking Bengali music to the global stage, profoundly shaped her character. Her mother, Lutfunnesa—who collaborated with poet Begum Sufia Kamal on women's empowerment initiatives—further instilled in her a commitment to self-reliance and social progress.
Rahman is widely revered for her multifaceted contributions to the arts, ranging from playback singing to music direction. To millions of Bangladeshis, she remains the quintessential "Khalamoni," the beloved mentor from the long-running television program *Eso Gaan Shikhi*, through which she provided foundational musical education to countless aspiring artists.
During an intimate gathering at her residence to mark the book launch, the artist reflected on her life’s journey. Surrounded by memories of those she has lost—including her parents, siblings, and her late husband, Rezaur Rahman—she described the current phase of her life as a quiet, solitary period. Despite the solitude, she views her post-80 years as a "bonus" and maintains a philosophical outlook, interpreting her present circumstances as a test from the Creator that she intends to face with grace.
In *Loke Bole Prem, Ami Boli Jwala*, Rahman articulates her lifelong devotion to music, defining it as the essence of her existence. She clarifies that the "love" referenced in her title transcends romantic relationships, representing instead her deep, spiritual connection to melody and rhythm. She describes the persistent pursuit of artistic excellence as both a passion and a "burden"—a challenging yet fulfilling lifelong labor that defines the soul of an artist.
Prothoma Prokashan has scheduled a formal event to celebrate the book's release on July 7 at the Bengal Shilpalay in Dhaka.
