Dama Dam Mast Qalandar
Sufi
RUNA LAILA · THE VOICE ARCHIVE
A voice across generations
From Sylhet to South Asia, a singular voice shaped generations of listeners.
17 languages60+ years of music1 unmistakable voice
Discover the story ↘SCROLL TO EXPLORE01 — 05
A LIFE IN MUSIC / 01
More than a voice.
A shared memory.
A singular artist whose recordings travel across languages, film industries and generations.
RLRead the public biography ↗
Runa Laila is one of South Asia’s most celebrated and versatile playback singers, renowned for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Born in Sylhet on 17 November 1952, she began her musical journey at a very young age and gained initial recognition in Pakistan during the 1960s. Her breakthrough came with hit songs in Pakistani cinema, followed by widespread acclaim in India and Bangladesh. She is especially known for her work in film music and for performing across languages including Bengali, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi. Her repertoire includes Dama Dam Mast Qalandar and spans classical, semi-classical, pop and folk traditions.
17languages in her repertoire
60+years of musical influence
3major film industries
SELECTED RECORDINGS / 02
Music that stays.
A growing catalogue of songs and albums. Official listening links can be added by the team.
TRACK ARCHIVE04 ENTRIES
Punjabi / regional tradition↗
O Mera Babu Chail Chabila
Film music
Shaadher Lau
Bengali folk
O Amar Jibon Shathi
Film music
A REMARKABLE JOURNEY / 03
Milestones in
her own time.
Key moments from a career that has crossed borders and musical traditions.
Continue to honours ↘Born in Sylhet
Runa Laila was born in Sylhet, in what was then East Bengal.
A film voice emerges
She gained prominence in the Pakistani film industry during the 1960s.
A new chapter in Bangladesh
The family moved to Bangladesh in 1974.
A voice in 17 languages
The supplied company profile and Wikipedia describe songs in 17 languages.
Superuna
The supplied company profile describes Super Runa as a landmark album.
RECOGNITION / 04
A legacy honoured.
Independence Award
Bangladesh’s highest civilian honour.
National Film Award: Best Female Playback Singer
Best Female Playback Singer
National Film Award: Best Female Playback Singer
Best Female Playback Singer
National Film Award: Best Female Playback Singer
Best Female Playback Singer
National Film Award: Best Female Playback Singer
Best Female Playback Singer
National Film Award: Best Female Playback Singer
Best Female Playback Singer
National Film Award: Best Female Playback Singer
Best Female Playback Singer
National Film Award: Best Female Playback Singer
Best Female Playback Singer
National Film Award: Best Music Composer
Best Music Composer
Ekti Cinemar GolpoAward records are based on the supplied biography and public reference. Details can be reviewed and updated by the site administrator.
THE VISUAL ARCHIVE / 05
Moments in light.
Archive photographs are kept distinct from editorial artwork.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MUSICRLC / 01
ARTIST & COMPANY
Runa Laila & Company
Runa Laila & Company (RLC) is the official backing band of Runa Laila. The supplied profile describes a musical journey spanning more than six decades, performances across languages and borders, and a deep respect for the artist known to the team as Runa Apa.
Official booking details can be added by the team.LATEST UPDATES / OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & PRESS
In the conversation.
“Onayashey”: a new Bangla ghazal duet
Runa Laila and Bappa Mazumder joined voices for “Onayashey”, a Bangla ghazal written by Syed Galib Hasan. Runa announced the collaboration in a video message shared on her verified Facebook page; the track was released in May 2026.
A landmark solo performance at Shilpakala
On 24 July 2026, Runa Laila performed at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy for the first time in her 62-year career. The evening also raised support for people affected by floods.
Returning to Australian audiences
The 2026 Australia programme brought Runa Laila together with Bengal Symphony for performances in Sydney and Melbourne, sharing beloved songs with audiences after nearly a decade.