Rezwana Choudhury Bannya

Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, born on 27 December 1965 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is one of the most celebrated exponents of Rabindra Sangeet. Trained under legendary teachers such as Sanjida Khatun and the late Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, she began performing publicly while still a teenager, quickly gaining recognition for her crystalline soprano and deep emotional resonance. After completing her Masters in Bengali literature at the University of Dhaka, she founded the renowned music school “Raga” in 1995, dedicated to preserving and teaching Tagore’s songs in their authentic form. Throughout her career, Rezwana has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including the landmark series “Tagore Songs” (1999) and “Mone Pore” (2005), which feature timeless hits like “Amar Hiyar Majhe” and “Bhalobashi Bhalobashi”. She has performed on prestigious stages worldwide—from the Royal Albert Hall in London to the Lincoln Center in New York—bringing Rabindra Sangeet to global audiences. Her contributions have been honored with Bangladesh’s highest civilian awards, including the Ekushey Padak (2015) and the Independence Day Award (2020), as well as multiple national music accolades. Rezwana’s voice, often described as a blend of classical rigor and lyrical tenderness, continues to inspire new generations of singers. She remains an active cultural ambassador, conducting workshops, lecturing at universities, and collaborating with contemporary artists, ensuring that Tagore’s musical legacy thrives in the modern era.