‘Never stayed at home for more than two days at a stretch’

Diva of the Bangladesh music scene Dilshad Nahar Kona has been at home for the last three weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak. She’s been listening to music, watching movies and, more importantly, watching the news updates on TV. She also pops into the kitchen to help her mother. In the meantime, she has also set up a home studio has even begun work there. She talks to Prothom Alo about all that and more

How are you spending your time at home during this coronavirus crisis?

I’ve been staying at home since the worsening of the coronavirus crisis. It is so much mental pressure. I have never stayed at home for more than two days at a stretch. Now I’m just continually at home. I was so scared at the beginning. I’ve never been so scared before. What is happening all over the world? When will this end?

I have managed to calm myself down over the past few days. I am watching movies, listening to music.

What sort of movies are you watching?

I’ve been watching comedies mostly, to relieve the pressure. I’ve just finished watching the Hindi movie Good News. I am trying to adjust to the situation. We should watch funny movies in this situation, just to keep our spirits up.

And what music are you listening to?

I’m listening to the songs I like. I’m listening to Ayub Bachchu, Arijit Singh. I’m listening to some of my favourite Rabindra Sangeet. Meanwhile, I’ve also been helping my mother in the kitchen.

Do you cook?

I can cook egg curry, chicken, fish, noodles and fried rice. Since I’m at home, I cook a couple of dishes now and then. But mostly I just help my mother a bit.

When did you perform on stage last?

There was a show on 17 March at Hatirjheel in Dhaka. That was the last show I performed in. Nine shows have been cancelled since then.

What about the musicians who perform with you? How are they coping in this crisis?

They are not doing well. They get paid per show and that is how they earn a living. As artistes, we may get paid a little more and so are coping, but what about the musicians? They may not even be able to celebrate Eid.

As artistes, as you all trying to do something to help these struggling musicians?

We don’t have any association so it is difficult to do anything jointly. But I am sure the singers are taking initiative to help the musicians with whom they perform. I am trying to do my part in helping the musicians who perform with me.

We heard you have set up a home studio?

I never thought I would do so, but this situation has forced me to set up a home studio. There is no saying when this coronavirus crisis will end and so I’ve set up the studio to carry on my work.