Popular singer Mehreen Mahmud began her career in 1994 and made waves among the music lovers for her unique tone and stylish presentation. The stylish singer’s debut album “Anari” released in 2000 and gained huge popularity all around the country. Mehreen holds a position in the judging panel of the popular talent hunt show “Bangladesh Idol.”
The judges’ panel of the Idol franchise in Bangladesh also includes singer Ferdousi Rahman, Andrew Kishore and Ayub Bachchu.
Dhaka Tribune caught up Mehreen about her experience as a judge in Bangladeshi Idol and more about her career:
What is your experience as a judge in Bangladeshi Idol?
When I heard that the Idol franchise will hit the country as Bangladesh Idol, I instantly felt the urge to be a part of the show. Idol really inspired me and the opportunity to work with seasoned singers such as Ferdousi Rahman, Andrew Kishore and Aiyub Bachchu is quite something for me. Ferdousi Rahman also happens to be my “guru.”
How comfortable are you with other judges?
I was working with seasoned and popular music personas of the country since my student life in Dhaka University and I used to host various shows of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. During few occasions, I worked closely with Rezwana Chowdhury Bonnya.
In my twenty years of musical career, I accumulated knowledge by respecting the views, opinions and decisions of those who are older and more experienced than me. In Bangladesh Idol, I got to exercise these years of knowledge and experience I have acquired earlier. Also, through this show, I have learned the art of diplomacy.
It is an honour being a judge of this show as the other judges in the panel are my idols and they respect my opinion on matters. I am thankful to sit side by side with these humble judges as it is a great platform for me to learn.
What is your specialisation in the judging panel?
I am the youngest judge of the panel and I represent the youth of the country. My specialisation in the show to judge the presentation and sense of fashion among the participants, since I can relate to the youth of the country and the excitement and the aura of youthfulness.
Do you have any plan to launch another music album?
I have stopped working on music albums from 2010. The effort and time required for the job is simply not worth it. So, instead of producing a bundle of songs, I believe putting all the “sugar” in one song that would sway the audience.
Before coming out with the song “Aj Ek Notun Din,” I conducted an extensive research for six months to produce a piece with much determination and effort. Also, I will be working with Ayub Bachchu on a single song from next month. For budget constraints, I prefer to produce one song in one season.
Who is your favourite musician?
AR Rahman, he is not only a brilliant musician but also I admire him as a person.
