‘Mukh O Mukhosh’ singer Mahbuba Rahman dies at 92

Her performance of the song “Moner Bone Dola Lage” brought her widespread recognition

Mahbuba Rahman, the singer who featured in Bangladesh’s first full-length film “Mukh O Mukhosh”, has died at the age of 92.

She died on Thursday evening while undergoing treatment at Dhaka's LabAid Hospital, according to singer Rumana Islam.

She told Glitz, "She had been ill for a long time from complications due to old age. Her funeral will be held at the Moghbazar Wireless Jame Mosque on Friday."

The Ekushey Padak-winning singer will then be buried at the Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard after Friday prayers, Rumana said.

Born in Chattogram in 1935, Mahbuba got her start in music at an early age. Her first performance was broadcast from Dhaka’s All India Radio station at the age of 12.

She became one of the most popular singers in radio and film in the 50s and 70s. She had a particular knack for folk and modern songs. She performed the song “Moner Bone Dola Lage”, with music by Samar Das, in Bangladesh’s first full-length talking film, bringing her widespread recognition.

She was also known for songs such as “Nirala Raat Prothom Prohore”, “Tomake Valobese Obosheshe Ki Pelam”, and many others. She also lent her voice to many films, including “Jago Hua Savera”, “Ashia”, “E Desh Tomar Amar”, “Je Nodi Marupathe”, “Kokho Aseni”, “Surjasnan”, “Sonar Kajal”, “Raja Tashro”, “Nawab Sirajuddaula” and “Saat Bhai Champa”.