“My feelings for Bangladesh, Brahmaputra and music lovers of my motherland are ever alive in my heart. Whenever I visit Bangladesh, I don't feel like leaving,” said an enthused Mitali Mukherjee in an exclusive interview with a few cultural journalists, while Citi Bank, NA was honouring the renowned singer this year with “Gaan-e Gaan-e Gunijon Sangbordhona”.

Mitali shared her memories of recording the timeless song “Ei Dunia Ekhon To Ar” for which she received a national award for the film “Dui Poishar Alta.” The song took the music industry by storm. “I first recorded the song for BTV. I told Alauddin Bhai (eminent musician Alauddin Ali) to give me a song like (sings) 'Keu Konodin Amarey To Kotha Dilo Na'. Then he created the song and I recorded it,” said the artiste.

Mitali began her formal training in classical music under Pt. Mithun Dey. Her parents were well-versed in classical and Nazrul Sangeet and groomed her in music. She received a scholarship from the Indian Government to study music at the Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda, in Gujarat.

Mitali teamed up with famous singers and music directors of the subcontinent for several of her studio albums. Her first album, “Saahil” (released by HMV), became a gold disc. Subsequently, Mitali and renowned Indian artiste Bhupinder Singh joined forces in many albums. For her album, “Chand Parosa Hai,” she collaborated with Oscar winning lyricist Gulzar. Two of her albums are in the pipeline. Mitali has sung in several languages, including Punjabi, Gujarati and Tamil. She received a triple disc for a song (from the Tamil blockbuster, “Dalpati”) composed by renowned South Indian music director Iliya Raja.

Mitali tied the knot with ghazal singer Bhupinder Singh in 1983 and settled down in Mumbai.

She performs a diverse range of songs-- classical, ghazal or popular -- with equal passion. She may be away, but the gifted Mitali Mukherjee has taken our culture beyond our borders.