Pop icon Usha Uthup says with almost all the Bangladeshi artistes coming to her studio she believes the people-to-people exchange between the two countries is very much on.
"From Runa Laila to Sabina Yasmin everyone of them comes to my studio for dubbing. We perform on stage together - here, elsewhere including UK," the sub-continent's popular singer told PTI on the sidelines of 'Epar Bangla Opar Bangla' musical programme.
"Sharing a common language, culture, and landscape we are not disparate identities. We can't be," she said.
"There is no need for removing the boundaries. These came up at one point of time, but as long as we share the same dreams, frontiers or not we remain the same people," the 'Hari Om Hari' singer said.
Uthup, who had performed on stage with Bangladeshi folk legend Runa Laila in the city, said, "This is part of celebrating the spirit of oneness that we are performing in the first ever jugalbandi on the Indian soil."
Laila, who recalled how Bappi Lahiri had goaded her to lend voice in 'De De Pyar De' (hit track in an Amnitabh Bachchan-starrer years back) said, "There is no magic formula. But whenever the heart tugs as certain numbers are played on, that turns the biggest reward for an artiste. "
Before the soiree, the organizers awarded Jewellery artisans for sculpting, designing, gold jewellery, naksha work etc as Usha said, "in Bengal and Bangladesh - craftsmanship of Bengli artisans is hailed by all."
The award was instituted by 'Shyamsundar which begamn the journey from Dhaka 50 years back.
