Mita Haque was a prominent figure in Bengali music, widely recognised as a distinguished Rabindra Sangeet singer whose voice brought a distinctive richness and depth to the songs of Rabindranath Tagore. Her renditions were marked by purity of tone, disciplined practice, and a balanced expression of emotion and classical refinement.
She served for many years as a listed artist in the highest grade of Bangladesh Betar, contributing significantly to the country’s broadcast music culture. Over the course of her career, she released 24 solo albums, of which 14 were published in India and 10 in Bangladesh. This distribution reflects her wide professional reach and acceptance across regional audiences.
Born on 6 September 1962, Mita Haque began her musical journey within her family environment. Her initial training was under her uncle, Wahidul Haque. She later received advanced guidance from Ustad Mohammad Hossain Khan and Dr Sanjida Khatun, under whom her musical development became more structured and comprehensive. From 1976 onwards, she undertook systematic training in classical music, which strengthened her interpretation and presentation of Rabindra Sangeet.
At the age of 11, she participated in an international children’s festival in Berlin, marking her early exposure to an international platform. This experience is recorded as one of her earliest public appearances outside the country. Her continued dedication to classical training contributed to the refinement of her vocal style over time.
Beyond her role as a performer, Mita Haque was also actively engaged as a teacher and organiser. She founded and পরিচালিত a music institution named “Sureer Teerth”. She also served as Head of the Rabindra Sangeet Department at Chhayanaut Sangeet Vidyatan and held the position of Vice-President of the Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad, reflecting her leadership role in institutional music education and cultural organisation.
Her contributions were formally recognised through several honours. In 2016, she was awarded the Shilpakala Padak. In the same year, she received the Rabindra Award from Bangla Academy, and she was also honoured at the “Rabi–Channel i Rabindra Mela”.
In her personal life, she was married to theatre personality and actor Khaled Khan. The couple had one daughter, Farhin Khan Joyita.
Mita Haque passed away on 11 April 2021 after battling cancer. Her death marked the end of a significant chapter in the field of Rabindra Sangeet. However, her recorded works, teaching contributions, and institutional involvement continue to remain part of the cultural and musical landscape.
Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 6 September 1962 |
| Initial training | Wahidul Haque (uncle) |
| Advanced mentors | Ustad Mohammad Hossain Khan; Dr Sanjida Khatun |
| Early international participation | Children’s festival, Berlin (age 11) |
| Total albums | 24 (India: 14; Bangladesh: 10) |
| Institution founded | “Sureer Teerth” |
| Positions held | Head, Rabindra Sangeet Department, Chhayanaut; Vice-President, Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad |
| Major awards | Shilpakala Padak (2016); Rabindra Award (Bangla Academy); Rabi–Channel i Rabindra Mela honour |
| Date of death | 11 April 2021 |
Mita Haque remains a significant name in the documentation and development of Rabindra Sangeet performance and education.