Runa Laila, the famous Bangladeshi singer who stole the hearts of Indian cine goers with her hit numbers including “Do Deewane Shahar Mein”, was in Boston along with Jolly Mukherjee and Jojo. Thanks to Kushal Chattopadhyay, the founder of R.K. Vision, Lokvani was able to interview these artists. In these interviews, the artists spoke freely on several topics.

Runa Laila started her career at an early age of six and can sing in seventeen languages, which include her native Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Spanish Japanese, Italian, etc. Runa has sung and recorded more than 5000 songs to date. She will be featured in the Guiness Book of Records for recording the largest number of songs in a single day. That happened in Bombay, where she cut four albums recording 40 songs: 30 of these in three days. She is also very involved in humanitarian projects. Runa held six concerts in Bangladesh and donated the entire proceeds to a children's hospital in Dhaka to build a cancer ward, which has been named after her sister.

Anoop Kumar (AK) of Lokvani meet with Runa Laila (RL), Jolly Mukherjee (JM) and Jojo (J) and following is the transcript of the interviews

AK: What is your favorite song?
RL : Difficult to pick one, but I like ‘Kate re na Kate’ from Umrao Jaan.

AK: Who are your favorite Music Directors?
RL: All Artists and Music Directors in Indian music are gifted and special in their own way, we can learn a lot from them. Pancham ji and O.P Nayyar ji, were of course the best. My current favorites include A.R. Rehman and Anu Mallick.

AK: Do you think audience has changed over time?
RL : Audience has not changed, the faces keep changing but the people still like the melodies. Fundamentally the audience wants entertainment and the artist should know how to give that to audience.

AK: We have heard a lot about your charity work in Dhaka. Can you tell us a little more about that?
RL : We are privileged that we can give back to the society. Artists have a special gift through which we can mobilize people. We owe a lot to the less fortunate people. If I can be of any use to anybody, I am willing to contribute. I have performed twice in Kashmir.

AK: What advice would you give to young artists?
RL: You should devote yourself to the music nothing less than "khator sadhna" will help you reap the gains of this art. Dedication is necessary to excel in any field, you should think this is where I want to go and go towards it. Learn the music sincerely and methodically, as a sound background is necessary for the future building to stand. You must have sound knowledge of Indian classical music. Always try to give your best. Don’t forget your values; keep your "roots" in mind, where you come from. Don't forget your background.

AK: One last question, what would you weigh more in your performance, passion or technical excellence?
RL: Both passion and technical excellence are inseparable part of any art. But it’s the passion and feel that one puts in to the delivery makes the music reach the audience. One should always feel and enjoy the music before you sing or play. Rest will follow.

Today's generation remembers the high – pitched love call that Rishi Kapoor made to Sridevi in the Yash Chopra film Chandni. The person who sang it behind the confines of the studio was none other than Jolly Mukherjee. The first break he received was in Dayavaan, the song being 'Chahe Meri Jaan Tu Lele' which was a hit. The memorable songs include Chaandni Meri Chaandni from Chandni, Loveria from Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Kaise Jeeoonga Mein from Sahibaan, Goriya Re Goriya from Aaina and the eponymous song from Aar Ya Paar.

In a chat with Jolly Mukherjee.

AK: Do you think audience has changed over the period of time.
JM : Good never changes. The audience are the same they like good music.

AK: Are you happy with what you have done with music?
JM : Very much so. People have enjoyed my music and I am the only popular playback singer for past fifteen years. I have fought through and stood my ground in my career spanning from Dayawan to Raaz.

AK: Are there other ways in which you contribute to society.
JM : I plan to organize workshops and present the music to young artists.

AK: Any thoughts for the young artists.
JM : Get into the world of music and immerse yourself in to it. Learn music sincerely, classical base is necessary and only practice can make it perfect. Contribute as much as you can to music.

Mou (Ms.Jojo) an emerging talented artist has brought out a collection of Hindi albums.
In a chat with jojo
AK: Who were the most Influential People in your life?
Jojo : That would be my Mom and dad.

AK : How do you like our New England audience?
Jojo: Oh, they are wonderful!.

Lokvani: Any thoughts for young artists
Jojo: Experience and hard work.

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