Shamshad Begam Biography 
Shamshad Begam was a popular playback singer of Bollywood movies in the era of 50’s and 60’s. She is most popular for songs of Mughal – E – Azam, Aar ya paar, Patanga, Mother India, Humayun, Deedar, Bluff master, Awara, Babul, Mela, Naya Andaz, Kismat, Naya Daur and CID. She is the original singer of the song, Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar Laga Teer-e-nazar of the movie Aar paar, pictured on Geeta Bali. Perhaps it’s the most popular song of yesterdays that has been remixed several times within a short time of just 1 month. Yes, three remixed version of this song was released within a gap of 1 month or 2, perhaps a surprising co-incidence. She passed away on 23 April 2013 at the age of 94. She was not a most – sought voice of yesterdays. Yet her unique voice and singing style have made a few of them immortal even after decades. That’s the reason why they are remixed often. She was a favourite singer of leading music directors of the industry – O.P. Nayyar, Naushad, C.Ramachandra and S.D.
Shamshad Begam was born in Lahore, exactly one day after Jalianwala bagh massacre. She belonged to a conservative Muslim family. She married Ganpat Lal Batto, a lawyer at the age of 15, facing oppositions from family. After 20 years, he died. Yet she didn’t think about a second marriage and lived with her single daughter, Usha Ratra.
She debut Bollywood during early 40’s and songs of Taqdeer, Khandaan and Khasan jee became popular this time. Noorjahan was the shining star that time in playback singing. Yet her unique style of singing was appreciated. Her songs used to be played in Lahore radio station.
Bachpan Ke Din from Deedar of 1951 and Teri Mehfil Mein Qismat aasmakar of Mughal E Azam were tow big hits sung by Lata mangeshkar and Shamshad begum together. Among all time popular hits, a few of her movie songs include - Chali Chali Kaisi Yeh Hawa of Bluff master, Milte Hai Ankhen Dil Deewana of babul, Mere Piya Gaye Rangoon of Patanga, Leke Pehla Pehla Pyar, Kahin Pe Nigahen and Boojh Mera Kya Naam of CID, Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar Laga of Aar paar, O Gadiwale Dheere and Holi Aayee Re of Mother India, Kajra Mohabbatwala Ankhiyon mein of Kismat, Dharti Ko Aakash Pukare of Mela and Reshmi Salwar Kurta Jaali Da of Naya Daur.
Published: N/A
Updated: July 10, 2013
