Bangladeshi playback singer Kanak Chapa has shared a striking memory from the busiest years of her musical career, revealing that she once recorded five songs at five different studios in a single day. The three-time National Film Award winner said she experienced similar recording marathons between five and seven times throughout her career, offering an insight into the demanding schedules that shaped her work in the country’s film music industry.
Kanak Chapa, whose full name is Rumana Morshed Kanak Chapa, shared the recollection during a recent appearance on the podcast Behind the Fame with RRK. She spoke about her professional journey, her involvement in film soundtracks and her experiences working alongside some of Bangladesh’s most prominent playback singers.
With more than 3,500 film songs to her credit and over 40 solo albums, Kanak Chapa has established herself as a recognised voice in Bangladeshi music. Her extensive repertoire reflects a long career in which film recordings have played a central role. Her songs have reached generations of listeners, helping secure her place among the country’s established playback singers.
Recording five songs at five separate studios in one day would have required considerable stamina and careful time management. Each session involved working in a different environment and preparing to perform another song, often under the direction of a music director. Although she did not disclose the names of the songs or provide a detailed account of the schedule, her recollection illustrates the intensity of her workload during the busiest periods of her career.
Her experience also reflects the working culture of Bangladesh’s film music industry, particularly during periods when playback singers were involved in several productions at once. Songs formed an important part of commercial cinema, helping convey the emotions of characters and contributing to a film’s appeal. Singers, composers, lyricists and music directors worked together to create soundtracks, while established vocalists often had to accommodate demanding recording schedules.
During the podcast, Kanak Chapa also discussed her association with films starring the late actor Salman Shah. She revealed that she had contributed vocals to two songs featured in films starring the actor.
Salman Shah became one of the most popular stars of Bangladeshi cinema during the 1990s. His films and their soundtracks remain memorable for many audiences, reflecting a period when songs were closely associated with the popularity and emotional appeal of commercial films. Kanak Chapa’s recollections offer a glimpse into her involvement in the musical landscape of that era.
The singer also said that she had worked most frequently with the late playback vocalist Andrew Kishore on film songs. Andrew Kishore was one of the leading voices in Bangladeshi cinema, earning widespread recognition through his performances in numerous film soundtracks. His contribution helped shape the country’s playback singing tradition, and many of his songs remain familiar to listeners.
Kanak Chapa’s professional association with Andrew Kishore forms part of her wider musical journey. Both singers made significant contributions to film music, where vocal performances often helped bring emotional depth to cinematic storytelling. Their work also illustrates the importance of collaboration among playback singers in an industry that relied heavily on music to connect films with audiences.
Beyond her film recordings, Kanak Chapa has released more than 40 solo albums and worked across different musical genres. Her extensive catalogue and three National Film Awards reflect the recognition she has received over the course of her career.
Her account of recording five songs at five studios in a single day stands out as an example of the commitment required of professional playback singers. It also recalls a period when the production of film music demanded considerable coordination between artists and recording teams. Through her memories, Kanak Chapa has offered listeners a personal perspective on the work behind the songs that have become part of Bangladesh’s cinematic musical heritage.