Shamshad Begum – The Living Legend
The immensely talented singer has finally been honoured with the Padma Bhushan at the age of ninety writes Rajesh Subramanian.
Isn’t it a crying shame that a vocalist who has enthralled music lovers for more than six decades delivering innumerable immortal compositions in an illustrious career and respected by the doyens of cine music world and her contemporary singers, receives the Padma Bhushan at the ripe age of ninety, while nominees less than half her age with mediocre achievements have bagged it before her. This only goes to prove the fact that these encomiums are nothing but sheer farce and blatant mockery. The true adoration, countless fan mails and respect bestowed by millions of music aficionados in India and abroad is far more valuable for the artiste than these politically manipulated awards. When the media recently flashed the news of legendary singer Shamshad Begum being conferred the prestigious Padma Bhushan award instead of bringing smile and joy to her fans it only instigated ire and anger. “She should have got it long back”, fumes music lover Ajay Seth, “She is truly a living legend who topped the popularity charts in the forties and fifties. She has worked with the best of composers and sung several eternal favourites”, he adds. But the singer with the vibrant voice says modestly, "I am really grateful that I have got this award. It is by god's grace that I have received this honour at this age."
Born in Amritsar, Shamshad Begum started her career with the All India Radio in 1937 and instantly captivated the hearts of listeners with the enchanting depth of her voice. The then AIR Lahore helped her in entering the world of movies as frequent broadcasting of her songs induced music directors to use her voice for film songs. Shamshad Begum also recorded 'naats' and devotional songs for gramophone recording companies. It was composer Master Ghulam Haider who used her voice skillfully in some of his earlier films like: Khazanchi (1941) and Khandan (1942). When he shifted to Bombay in 1944, Shamshad Begum too went with him as a member of his team. In 1944 Mehboob Khan launched his historical venture 'Humayun' and Ghulam Haider used Shamshad Begum's voice in the film. The song Naina bhar aaye neer captured the imagination of the country and became a sensation. That was the time when Amirbai Karnataki was considered the top playback singer in Bombay. Soon all the leading composers started recording in Shamshad’s voice. Music directors like Naushad, C. Ramchandra, S. D. Burman, Ghulam Mohammed and O P Nayyar used her as the prime female vocalist in the early phase of their careers. In the coming years Shamshad rendered immensely popular songs like Ek tera sahara, Aana meri jaan sunday ke sunday, Mere Piya Gaye Rangoon, Saiyyan dil mein aana re, Holi aayee re kanhaai, Leke pehla pehla pyar, Bheega bheega pyar ka sama, Kabhie aar kabhie paar, Boojh mera kya naav re, Mere neendon mein tum, Door koi gaye, Gaadiwale gadi dheere, Dukh bare din beete re, Kahin Pe Nigahein and the immensely popular Kajra Mohabbat Wala. She is also known for his positive attitude and never feared of competition. “When you are doing your job honestly then why should you fear”, says the veteran singer and adds, “There were many good singers in my time but I used to work very hard and rehearse the song with the music director well. I was also very fortunate that I got to work with such talented and gifted composers who had great faith in my abilities”, says she.
A very private person Shamshad Begum resides at Mumbai’s Hiranandani gardens at Powai with her daughter and son in law. These days she is not keeping good health and devotes most of her time in prayers. Neglected by the music industry and authorities for several decades suddenly she is back in the spotlight - for being nominated for the Padma Bhushan award, and for being conferred the prestigious O P Nayyar award. Her daughter reveals that she never aspired for such recognition. She has always led a simple life. While her son-in-law Col Ratra divulges, “She is very happy and has accepted the Padma Bushan award. We received a congratulatory telegram from the Home Minister Chidambram. She has also received the invitation for the ceremony to be held in New Delhi“. Representatives of the O P Nayyar Award Foundation came to her residence. The award consists of a sterling silver trophy weighing 1 kg and cash award of Rs 25,000. Shamshad Begum has agreed to accept the award, but has asked for the prize money to be given to charities. Accordingly, the foundation has decided to give the cash prize to 'Eklavya Child Education and Health Foundation'.
On being asked about the present day music, the veteran artiste replies with a smile, "Youngsters today are singing very well. I enjoy listening to them." She also pointed that recently the remixes on her yesteryear songs are gaining popularity in the youth.
