Dilaram, sung by Hamida Banu and Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, marked the culmination of a sensational second season of Coke Studio Bangla. The highly-anticipated final song of Season 2 is a fusion of Dhoro Dilaram, penned by the renowned mystic poet Hason Raja, and Arnob’s 2009 song Amay Dhore Rakho.

Dilaram is an ode to the ones who have been our guiding lights during our darkest hours, encouraging us to overcome obstacles and regain our footing in life. In Dhoro Dilaram, Hason Raja implores Dilaram to hold him in her heart, delving into the universal theme of one’s journey through moments of despair.

Hamida Banu, a talented artist deeply rooted in Sylhet’s cultural heritage, infuses the song with her soulful and earthy voice, which also marks her debut on a digital platform like Coke Studio Bangla.

“Hamida Banu is a great singer. She has a deep connection with the heritage of Hasan Raja. At times, she has even worked with the family of Hasan Raja’s great-great-grandson Samirun Dewan, and at times, she has been a member of the Hasan Raja Museum. Working with them allowed me to gain a lot more knowledge about Hason Raja’s history than I already did. I will always treasure this incredible experience,” Arnob said in a comment on the video on YouTube.

Arnob, who is the producer of Coke Studio Bangla and is known for his distinctive style as a musician, stitches Dhoro Dilaram with his Amay Dhore Rakho, the first song to be released by his band Arnob & Friends back in 2009. The verses capture one’s journey of overcoming adversity and bouncing back from life’s low points. The inclusion of western instruments, like the clarinet (played by Idris Rahman), elevates this charming fusion of folk and contemporary.