Begum Akhtar: Honoring A Musical Icon On Her 109th Birthday

On this special day, we celebrate Begum Akhtar's 109th birthday. Her enduring music continues to resonate in the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide.

Begum Akhtar, born on October 7, 1914, in Bharat Kund, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, had her musical journey influenced at a young age by Chandra Bai, a renowned theatre artist. She received training under the guidance of several legendary mentors, including Sarangi exponent Ustad Imdad Khan, Patiala's Ata Mohammed Khan, Lahore's Abdul Waheed Khan, Mohammad Khan, and Ustad Jhande Khan.

Begum Akhtar: Honoring A Musical Icon On Her 109th Birthday

Her musical journey began at the tender age of 15 when she gave her first performance, earning praise from the renowned Sarojini Naidu, known as the 'Nightingale of India.' Encouraged by this recognition, Begum Akhtar delved deeper into the world of Hindustani classical music, specialising in Ghazals, Thumris, Dadra, and more.

Her remarkable talent earned her the title of Mallika-e-Ghazal. In addition to her musical prowess, Begum Akhtar's captivating looks and mesmerising voice also led her to appear in several films during the 1930s, including notable works like Mumtaz Begum (1934), Jawaani Ka Nasha (1935), Raaj Haan's King for a Day (1933), and Satyajit Ray's Jalsaghar (1958), where she not only acted but also lent her own melodious voice to the songs in the films.

Earlier known as Akhtaribai, she married a barrister from Lucknow, Ishtiaq Ahmed Abbasi, and started to be known as Begum Akhtar. She performed on All India Radio regularly and is also known for her timeless Bengali classic Jochona Koreche Aari.

Begum Akhtar passed away in Ahmedabad on October 30, 1974. She was in the city for a concert and fell ill while staging a performance. The legendary classical singer was awarded the Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and Padma Bhushan.

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