After a long hiatus, singer Mila Islam has returned to playback singing with a song in the film Insaf, directed by Sanjay Samaddar. The song’s music director is Shawkat Ali Emon. Nearly two decades ago, Mila dominated the music industry, actively performing in audio releases, stage shows, and various other platforms. However, due to personal and professional complications, she became irregular in music over the past few years. Now, she has announced her return with multiple upcoming songs set to be released during Eid-ul-Azha, along with plans to resume stage performances after Eid-ul-Fitr.
While discussing her new projects, Mila addressed a prevailing sentiment among some artists who claim that they are unable to secure opportunities due to a so-called “syndicate.” She dismissed this notion outright, asserting, “If someone says they are not getting opportunities because of a syndicate, that is completely unbelievable. I firmly believe there is no such thing as a syndicate in life. If someone has talent, people will be compelled to recognize and hire them. That is the ultimate truth.”
In a video interview with a television channel yesterday, Mila made these comments. When Prothom Alo spoke with her on Friday, she reiterated her stance, stating, “Some people think they must be everywhere, that they have to sing every song. But it is impossible for one person to sing every song. Everyone will have their turn!”
On the subject of a supposed syndicate, Mila remarked, “I have never had any experience with this. Whenever I wanted to work, I did, and people welcomed me. Many other artists were active during my time, and everyone worked according to their own strengths. I took a break by choice, and now that I want to return, I am working again. Sometimes, when people fail to secure work, they blame a syndicate. Only they can explain why they do that. My belief has always been that if you have talent, you will be called upon, and you will get good work.”
Further elaborating on the issue, Mila shared an analogy, saying, “Even in a family, members may have disagreements or arguments. The entertainment industry is no different; it is like a big family. There are differences of opinion, conflicts, whether among men or women. But one thing is certain—no one can take away what is destined for you. Others may create temporary obstacles, but they cannot alter fate. Those who complain about a syndicate should remember: happiness often makes people forget their struggles. When I am content, everyone around me is also happy. This is a lesson I have learned from my own life—how to be patient, how to avoid complaining, and how to navigate difficult moments with a smile. True peace lies in gratitude, not regret. Whatever I have received in life, I cherish it, and I believe that what is meant for me will always find its way to me, regardless of obstacles.”
Concluding her thoughts, Mila questioned, “Why do some people feel like they are being denied opportunities? There is no shortage of influencers today. Even people who cannot sing are somehow making music. Many cannot perform live on stage and rely on pre-recorded tracks. But if you put me in any village, I can sing traditional Maizbhandari songs effortlessly because I have the proper training. So when someone claims they are not getting a chance due to a syndicate, I say this—syndicates do not exist. If you have talent, you will be called. People will have to take you. That is the real truth.”
Mila also differentiated between two key concepts: “celebrity” and “star.” She stated, “Many people can be celebrities, but only a select few become stars. Stardom is something granted by fate. It is not something you can claim—it is something that is destined for you. Only those who are truly meant to be stars will earn that title.”