"‘Mast Qalandar’ has always been close to my heart."
Coke Studio Bangla closed its third season with a reverent new take on ‘Mast Qalandar’, delivered by the iconic Runa Laila on the eve of her birthday.
The finale arrived as both a celebration of her extraordinary legacy and a reminder of how deeply her voice continues shaping South Asian musical memory.
The rendition was crafted by Shayan Chowdhury Arnob and Adit Rahman, who blended traditional qawwali resonance with textures rooted in Bangladesh’s evolving musical landscape.
The track opens with a contemplative Bangla verse by Hason Raja, sung with gentle melancholy by Makhon Mia, to set the emotional tone.
From there, the song shifts into a vibrant interplay of Sufi devotion, folk groundedness, and modern production.
It honours the original while expanding its emotional reach.
The finale featured contributions from veterans like Foad Nasser Babu.
Their presence reinforced the intergenerational dialogue that Coke Studio Bangla has intentionally cultivated.
Younger voices from the platform joined him to build a soundscape that feels respectful of history yet fully alive in the present moment.
‘Mast Qalandar’ has long held a sacred space in Runa Laila’s career, spanning more than six decades across eighteen languages and countless musical traditions.
Her voice has connected listeners from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and communities far beyond, making this return especially meaningful for audiences.
In a statement, Runa Laila expressed gratitude for revisiting the song with today’s musicians and reflected on how the piece remains emotionally significant.
“‘Mast Qalandar’ has always been close to my heart.
“Performing it again with younger artists has been profoundly rewarding.”
She added that seeing the song resonate with a new generation gives her immense joy as it continues its journey across cultures.
The musical direction of Coke Studio Bangla owes much to Arnob, who has led the project’s creative evolution since its beginning.
His work with Adit Rahman is known for shaping contemporary arrangements in pieces like ‘Shondhatara’ and ‘Bhober Pagol.’
Speaking about the finale, Arnob noted that the composition carries collective memories and cultural symbolism that extend far beyond melodies.
He remarked that bringing Runa Laila’s voice into this season’s closing chapter stands as a shared moment of pride for everyone involved.
Shayan Chowdhury Arnob said: “This song holds devotion, memory, and identity, and reintroducing her voice through it strengthens a bridge between generations.”
Listen to the Song:
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