Before India’s independence, several talented singers debuted in the film industry and became popular among the public. One of them was Shamshad Begum, who was one of the first playback singers in the Hindi film industry. Despite her conservative background, she was one of the most influential playback singers in the 1940s.
Who was Shamshad Begum?
Shamshad Begum was regarded as one of the most influential playback singers during the golden age of Bollywood. She sang over 6,000 songs in Hindustani, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, and Punjabi languages.
What was Shamsad Begum’s father condition for her?
Born in 1919 in Lahore into a conservative Punjabi Muslim family, her father initially objected to her singing. Her father even insisted that she wear a burqa and not be photographed.
Why did Shamshad Begum’s family oppose her marriage?
She married Ganpat Lal Batto, a Hindu law student, in 1932. Their families opposed their union due to religious differences. The couple had one daughter, Usha Ratra.
Trauma from husband’s sudden death
When Shamshad’s husband died in a road accident in 1955, it shattered her and she lost her will to work. After this, her career declined significantly.
Shamshad Begum’s death
Shamshad Begum passed away on April 23, 2013. Despite being Muslim, she had requested that her last rites be performed according to Hindu customs because of her marriage to Ganpat Lal Batto.