‘Mukh O Mukhosh’ singer Mahbuba Rahman passes away

Renowned playback singer Mahbuba Rahman, who lent her voice to Bangladesh’s first full-length sound film 'Mukh O Mukhosh', has passed away at the age of 92.

She died at Dhaka’s LabAid Hospital on Thursday evening (March 26), confirmed fellow musician Rumana Islam, saying, "Mahbuba Rahman had been unwell for some time due to age-related complications."

Rumana said her funeral prayers will be held Friday at Moghbazar Wireless Jame Mosque, followed by burial at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard.

Born in Chattogram in 1935, Mahbuba Rahman began her musical journey at an early age. At just 12, her songs were first broadcast from the Dhaka station of All India Radio. She rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1970s as one of the country’s leading voices in radio and cinema, excelling in both folk and modern music.

Her iconic song 'Moner Bone Dola Lage', composed by Samar Das for the film 'Mukh O Mukhosh', brought her nationwide recognition. Other notable songs include 'Nirala Rater Prothom Prohore', 'Tomake Bhalobese Obosheshe Ki Pelam', and numerous playback contributions in films such as 'Jago Hua Savera', 'Asiya', 'E Desh Tomar Amar', 'Je Nodi Morupothe', 'Kokhono Aseni', 'Surjosnan', 'Sonar Kajol', 'Raja Sontrash', 'Nawab Sirajuddaula', and 'Sat Bhai Champa'.

A recipient of the Ekushey Padok, National Film Award and Shilpakala Academy Award, Mahbuba Rahman leaves behind a lasting legacy in Bangladeshi music and cinema.