Akhi Alamgir: Happiness lies in keeping loved ones well

Popular singer Akhi Alamgir talks about her daily routine, family, fitness, skincare, fashion, travel and professional life. She believes in staying active rather than chasing a particular body shape, prefers comfortable fashion and values the freedom to choose her work. After years in the music industry, her priorities have become simpler-she wants her parents and children to remain healthy and happy. In this conversation, she shares the lifestyle choices and values that shape her everyday life.

LO.  How do you usually start your day?
Akhi: I wake up once in the early morning. At that time, I may pray, practise singing or sometimes watch television. Then I go back to sleep and get up a little later to start my day.
One of my favourite things in the morning is spending time with my two cats. I really enjoy being with them.

LO.  What does a typical day in your life look like?
Akhi: My days are usually filled with different activities. In the afternoon, I go for a walk, do free-hand exercises and practise singing. I also have a great passion for keeping my home organised, so I spend time arranging and cleaning things.

At night, I may spend time with my mother and have dinner with her. This is how my day usually passes.

LO.  How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Akhi: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is really difficult, but I try. These days, I am trying to eat less fried food and have almost stopped drinking milk tea and milk coffee.

When I am working, I give my full attention to it. If I have a concert or shooting, I devote that time completely to work. Once the work is over, I keep time for myself, whether it is early morning or late at night. I try to spend that time according to my own choices-eating what I like, resting and taking care of myself.

LO.  What are your favorite ways to relax after a busy schedule?
At other times, simply staying at home and doing nothing can also be relaxing. Sometimes I just look at the ceiling or watch television. These simple moments help me unwind.

LO.  How important is fitness and self-care in your daily routine?
Akhi: Fitness is important to me, but I do not take it to extremes. I do not have a specific goal of becoming very slim or maintaining a particular body shape. For me, being healthy and active is what matters most.

I believe staying active is the main part of my fitness. Walking and free-hand exercises are part of my routine.

LO.  What is one beauty or skincare tip you always follow?
Akhi: Skincare is a little challenging for me because I often have to wear makeup and my skin is quite sensitive. Even staying in the sun for a short time can make my face red, and I still occasionally get pimples.

I generally use skincare products according to my dermatologist’s advice. I also use some products from Clarins. For the past few years, I have been using sunscreen regularly, even when I am at home. I especially try to apply it before cooking.

LO.  Who or what inspires your fashion and lifestyle choices?
Akhi: My family is the most important influence on my lifestyle choices. I am an independent person and like to live according to my own choices, but I always keep my family’s needs in mind.

As for fashion, comfort is my priority. I like wearing clothes that make me feel comfortable and suit the occasion. I particularly prefer loose-fitting outfits such as kameez and shirts. Since Bangladesh is hot for most of the year, comfortable clothing is very important to me.

My colour choices also depend on my mood. I like bright colours as well as black and white. In fact, I like almost every colour.

LO.  What is your favorite travel destination and why?
For me, travelling is not simply about visiting places. I want to experience the environment, nature and lifestyle of the people. Feeling a place is an important part of travelling for me.

LO.  What advice would you give to young women who dream of becoming singer?
Young women should understand their own priorities and make choices accordingly. Work hard, enjoy what you do and do not feel pressured to follow a particular path simply because others expect it.

LO.  What exciting projects or goals are you looking forward to next?
Earlier in my career, work was my biggest priority. But after so many years of active work, my priorities have changed. I have achieved many things, received awards and earned the love and respect of many people.

Now my wishes are simple. I want my parents to remain healthy, my children to be happy and well, and I want to be able to do something good for them. When my family is doing well, that gives me the greatest happiness.