Popular singer and actress Rumana Rashid Ishita was once a prominent presence in the world of TV drama and music has been somewhat out of the spotlight in recent years. However, her new original song, ‘Rupor Jholok,’ was recently released. She spoke to Bonik Barta about her new song, break from work, future plans, and more. Interviewed by Wahidur Rahman.

Five years later, your voice returns in Rupor Jholok. Tell us the story behind this song.

Five years ago, I worked on a drama by Asif Iqbal Bhai called ‘Keno’. While shooting, he was talking to me about recording the song ‘Rupor Jholok’. I immediately replied, “Why wouldn’t I? Of course I will.”. However, even when I was recording the song, I had no idea about why the song was being recorded, whether it would go in a music video, in a movie, or in a play; I had no clue and didn’t even bother to ask. The song was beautiful, and I liked it very much. That’s why I didn’t ask anything else about it. Later, I saw that it was used in the drama.

Why did it take so long to release the song?

The vocals were recorded almost two years ago. I can’t really say why it took this long to release; it’s a question the Gaanchill team would be able to answer. When I recorded the song, I didn’t really give much thought about where or why it would be used. I liked the tune and lyrics, and I trusted Asif bhai, that’s why I did it.

Why are you so irregular in singing, despite audience expectations?

After marriage, a woman’s primary focus becomes her children. My son has completed class ten; he’ll go to university in two years. At this stage of my life, my first priority is family. My son and daughter are grown up now, so I have a little more flexibility. But a couple of years ago, I had to devote a lot of time to my son and daughter. Also, my mother was unwell. She was a cancer patient. I also spent a lot of time with my mother. So during that period, recording a song or doing a drama wasn’t a priority.

Now that family commitments have eased a bit, will you be available for new dramas?

If I get a good script and can balance it with my home life, then definitely yes. I still get scripts occasionally, but not exactly the kind I’m looking for. I don’t get ten scripts a month, but I do receive many throughout the year. Since I work very selectively now, I’d prefer something where the story revolves around me, so that I’m not just amongst many. In our country’s dramas, there are very few roles for people of my age group.

What differences do you see between the dramas of your time and those of today?

Now, the competition is much more intense. Anyone can start a YouTube channel and begin making dramas. A huge number of productions are being released every day from various production houses. I think a lot of good work gets buried under it. Earlier, if ten dramas were made, people could watch five. Now, with so much content, it’s hard to even find the good ones. This issue is not exclusive to Bangladesh; rather, it’s a global phenomenon. In this flood of content, there’s always a risk that the quality work gets buried.

What keeps you busy these days?

I’m not actively involved in showbiz right now. I’m mostly preoccupied with myself and my family. In addition to my family, I have a small business. But I am not interested in talking about these things. It is not that I am sitting at home at all. I am always doing something. I’m not just sitting idle at home; I’m always doing something. Now that my kids are growing up and staying in school until the afternoon, I have some time for myself. So you could say I’m busy with some personal pursuits these days.

Do you have any plans for future work?

If a good opportunity arises, I may record a song or two. Whether it’s acting or singing, you can’t do it because you want to. It has to be something that you feel passionate about, something that you’re interested in doing. If it’s something I truly feel passionate about, whether it’s a song or a drama, and if everything aligns, then yes, I will definitely do it.

Rupor Jholok was included in the drama Nasib. Have you watched it?

I haven’t watched it yet. But since my song was used in it, I’ll definitely watch it.

We know you also write. How is your writing going now?

I was busy for a long time due to my mother’s illness, which meant that many things were on hold. But now, things are a little more organized.

Do you have any guidance for beginners?

For the newcomers, I’d say that they are starting out in a time when they are not just competing locally but also globally. I wish them all the best. I’d urge them never to lose hope, because good work always has a place in people’s hearts; it did before, and will continue to in the future.