“Channel i Shera Kontho” winner Konal : Voice of the generation

On December 25, Somnur Monir Konal became the winner of the 2009 "Channel i Shera Kontho". For Konal, a fourth semester student of United International University, the recognition is a giant leap forward.

"I always wanted to become a singer; I see the 'Shera Kontho' crown as a realisation of my dream," said Konal.

Konal grew up in a music-oriented family. "I was introduced to music and singing when I was four years old by my mother Saima Monir. She has been a major source of motivation.

"My mother had a harmonium and she loved to sing; when I grew up we used to sing together."

"My father Monir Hossain's profession took our family to Kuwait when I was six years-old," she continued."

"I went to the Kuwait branch of Rabindra Bharti University for a diploma in Indian classical music. After my A-level exams I moved to Bangladesh in 2008. When I moved to Bangladesh I still had one year left of the diploma which is a five-year course, I had plans to attend the final year in Kolkata. In the meantime I got a chance to participate at the 'Shera Kontho' contest."

"As part of the award, I won a scholarship at the AR Rahman Music Institute in Chennai. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me," Konal said.

Recalling her "Channel i Shera Kontho" experiences, the young artiste said, "I will always remember my audition. The night before was sleepless. I went to the Channel i Tejgaon office early at 5:30 am on the audition day with my maternal uncle and aunt. I was the first candidate of the day. Lyricist Kabir Bokul and singer Nadira Begum evaluated my audition."

Speaking of her future plans, Konal said, "I want to be an accomplished classical singer. I also have interest in music composition. In future I would like to contribute to the music industry as a successful singer and music composer.”

Konal wins "Channel i Shera Kontho 2009"

Konal (centre) with Chaitee (left) and Nadiraj after winning the title.

"And the winner is ...Konal," TV presenter Farzana Brownia dramatically announced at end of the four-hour grand finale of "Channel i Shera Kontho 2009", a musical talent hunt, held at Rajshahi District Stadium on Thursday night.

With the announcement, the chilly winter night in the northwestern city warmed up for some moments as 25000 people at the stadium and some 50,000 outside jumped up in joy and fireworks lit the sky. It was a night to remember in Rajshahi.

The announcement came as a relief to millions of Bangladeshis at home and abroad glued to the TV screen, waiting for the result.

Somnur Monir Konal from Dhaka won the title, while Chaitee Mutsuddi Liza and the youngest finalist Moumita Tasrin Nadiraj won the first and second runner-up positions respectively.

Konal received a cheque worth Tk eight lakh, while Chaitee got Tk five lakh and Nadiraj got Tk three lakh. They also received monetary and other gifts from different organisations, including a Tk 25,000 award from Rajshahi City Corporation.

The finale featured spirited live performances by the seven finalists and the results were based on points given by the judges and SMS votes from the audiences.

Renowned artistes Runa Laila, Sabina Yasmin, Subir Nandi and veteran music composer Alauddin Ali were present as the judges at the finale, adding grandeur to the programme that left a lasting impression on the people of Rajshahi.

The programme began with speeches by Channel i Managing Director Faridur Reza Sagar and Rajshahi Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton.

The main event began with the performances of renowned dancers Shibli Mohammad and Shamim Ara Nipa accompanied by around 100 young dancers of Rajshahi; the song "Aguner Poroshmoni Chhoao Praney" played in the background.

The mega event changed the city mood. Four big screens were set up inside the stadium and six at different city points.

Head of News and Director, Channel i, Shykh Seraj, however, explained that the total amount of money would not be given to the winners right away. The winners will receive scholarships to acclaimed musical institutions abroad. He said, "A sudden rush of money often corrupts young minds."

The event, "Channel i Shera Kontho 2009" began in May with the slogan 'Gaaney... Awaz Tolo Praney." Some 92,000 contestants from seven zones of the country -- Dhaka Metro, Dhaka, Barisal, Rajshahi, Chittagong, Khulna and Sylhet -- took part in the competition.

On the occasion of the grand finale in Rajshahi, Channel i covered special reports highlighting the economy, environment and culture of the city during the last few days.

Farzana Brownia and Robin Khan directed the even jointly.