Sanjida Khatun: A luminary who wore her mission on her sleeve
Despite numerous accolades and extensive work in Bengali language, poetry, and Rabindra Sangeet, Sanjida Khatun always believed she could have done more
In 2016, when Sujata Barua was a student of Nazrul Sangeet at Chhayanaut Shongshkriti-Bhobon, she had her first interaction with the legendary Sanjida Khatun. That year, the Boshonto Utshob at Chhayanaut was a little different.
"Usually, only teachers and senior students perform in our major festivals. But in 2016, junior students also got a chance. I was lucky enough to perform a solo song. I was only in grade 10 then," Sujata recalled.
After the performance, Sujata had the privilege of speaking with Sanjida Khatun in person. Sanjida even penned a line in her diary:
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"Bisshomanob hobi jodi shasshoto Bangali ho," which translates to, "Before becoming a global citizen, be an authentic Bangali first."
To this day, that line resonates with Sujata, who is now interning at Chhayanaut.
Everyone called her 'Apa,' and she always addressed us as 'tui.' She never missed any event at Chhayanaut, whether it was a regular show or grand festivals like Fagun, Boshonto, Boishakh, or Shadhinota Dibosh. She always graced us with her presence in a soft cotton sari and a bright tip
"Everyone called her 'Apa,' and she always addressed us as 'tui.' She never missed any event at Chhayanaut, whether it was a regular show or grand festivals like Fagun, Boshonto, Boishakh, or Shadhinota Dibosh. She always graced us with her presence in a soft cotton sari and a bright tip," Sujata shared.
Dr Sanjida Khatun, the president of Chhayanaut and a pioneer of cultural activism in Bangladesh, passed away at Square Hospital in Dhaka at 3:10 PM on Tuesday. She was 92.
The Ekushey Padak-winning artist had been battling diabetes, pneumonia, and kidney complications for some time and had been under hospital care for the past week.
"This is an incredible loss for us to bear. First, we lost Sadi, then Papia, and now her," veteran singer, model, and actress Shampa Reza told TBS. Devastated by the news, she couldn't bring herself to say more.
Born in 1933 into a family deeply rooted in traditional values, Sanjida was inspired by her father, Dr. Kazi Motaher Hossain, professor of Dhaka University, renowned writer and statistician and close friend of Kazi Narul Islam..
"Distinct values were instilled in me from childhood—honesty, patriotism, and self-belief. Each one of these has paved my life," Sanjida once shared in an interview.
Growing up, she faced acute financial difficulties. Her father struggled to provide for his 11 children on a limited income. Despite this, Sanjida's childhood was immersed in music, dance, and the arts.
By the age of five, the harmonium had become her best friend. They couldn't afford a music teacher, so she learned by listening to the radio. By 10, her father recognised her dedication and arranged for a student to teach her in exchange for Tk10. Later, she trained under Ustad Md Hussain, a prominent Thumri singer of the time.
Sanjida completed her bachelor's degree in Bengali literature from the University of Dhaka in 1955 and earned her MA in Bangla language from Visva-Bharati University in 1957. She later joined the faculty of Dhaka University as a lecturer in Bengali literature.
Although widely recognised as a Rabindra Sangeet singer and researcher, her contributions to reviving Bengali culture and traditions were immeasurable. She stood firm despite countless obstacles and remained unwavering in her beliefs.
"For the longest time, I was oppressed, forced to leave places where I wanted to make a difference, and frequently criticised," she had once said ruefully.
While completing her undergraduate studies, Sanjida continued singing. Although she gained prominence for her Rabindra Sangeet renditions, her journey began with Nazrul Sangeet.
By 1952, she had become a visible figure in the cultural movement.
"That year, I spoke before a women's group at a meeting near Kamrun Nessa School. I wasn't prepared or even sure what I would say, but I knew I had to speak about the 21st [February 1952], the day that had given me this language," she said in an interview once.
In 1961, she co-founded Chhayanaut. With the dedication of Waheedul Haq and herself, Chhayanaut became the heart of Bangladesh's cultural landscape, uniting singers, dancers, and musicians under one banner.
Then came 1971, leaving an indelible mark on her life.
"I don't know how I managed to escape with my three children. Even afterwards, financial problems persisted. It was humiliating to ask for help," she confessed in an earlier interview.
During the Liberation War, she, along with Mahmudur Rahman Benu, formed the Bangladesh Mukti Sangrami Sangstha. While the group travelled across borders to boost the morale of freedom fighters through music, Sanjida continued her research fellowship at Shantiniketan.
After the freedom, she returned to Bangladesh and continued singing until she felt Rabindra Sangeet wasn't receiving the respect it deserved on television. She felt that producers and amateur sound engineers were compromising the original tune of the songs.
Disenchanted by the commercial aspects of television and radio, she distanced herself from them. After over five decades of singing, she developed chronic laryngitis and retired from performing. However, that didn't stop her from creating a platform for young artists.
In 2021, her influence crossed borders as she was awarded India's Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian honour.
Despite numerous accolades and extensive work in Bengali language, poetry, and Rabindra Sangeet, she always believed she could have done more.
Her legacy, however, will continue to inspire generations of cultural activists, musicians, and artists dedicated to preserving the soul of Bengali heritage.
