Runa Laila’s legendary story comes alive in ‘Mayar Singhasan’

Legendary Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila is the protagonist of a forthcoming novel, "Mayar Singhasan", by acclaimed fiction writer Abdullah Al Muktadir. The book examines her rise in Bangladesh's musical landscape, tracing her artistic journey, personal struggles, and cultural impact.

The write Muktadir, in an interview with bdnews24.com, described the work as a "song‑novel" blending narrative with musical sensibility. "Whenever I hear Runa Laila's voice, I feel transported to another time — where music took precedence over everything else," he said. "'Mayar Singhasan' tells the story of that journey."

Photo: Collected

The novel is scheduled for release on November 17 through Chandrabindu Prokashan. In a video message, Runa Laila herself invited readers: "This novel is written about me; I hope you will like it. Do read it."

The publisher describes "Mayar Singhasan" as more than a conventional novel. It is designed to lead readers into the emotional and psychological terrain of Runa Laila's music, exploring the passage of time, themes of love, solitude, and the expressive power of melody. According to the press release, the author's prose transforms words into music, creating a narrative that mirrors the rhythms and moods of the singer's songs.

Photo: Collected

Positioned as a contribution to Bengali literature's emerging "song‑novel" form, the book seeks to offer readers a distinctive literary experience. Chandrabindu Prokashan hopes it will stand as a tribute to Runa Laila's career, her artistic legacy, and her enduring influence on Bangladeshi culture.