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"Kajara mohabbat wala, akhiyon mein aisa dala"
from the film Kismat, 1968. This thrilling duet between Shamshad
Begum and Asha Bhosale is still fresh and ringing in our ears.
It is a brilliant song which is popular because of Shamshad
Begum's style and voice, who was at the zenith of her singing
career then.
Yes, we have amongst us a Living Legend who has chosen to
lead a quiet, peaceful and fulfilling life in her spacious
apartment here in the heart of HIRANANDANI GARDENS. Shamshad
Begum the nightingale of yesteryears has given us soft, sweet
and melodious songs like 'Meri neendon mein tum' from Naya
Andaz, Leke pehla pehla pyaar' from CID, 'Aana meri jaan,
meri jaan sunday ke sunday' from 'Shehnai', 'Mere piya gaye
Rangoon' from Patanga, Ek Tera Sahara from Shama, Naina Bhar
aye neer from Humayun, Jchod Babul Ka Ghar from Babul and
many more, the list simply goes on.
Even today, when we hear her immortal voice floating through
the air we are transported back to that era ruled by her melodious
songs. There must be no one, leave alone people of those times
but even the present generation who have not hummed the unforgettable
numbers such as Saiyan dil mein aana re, Reshmi salwar kurta
jaali ka etc and more songs.
Today at 84 yrs she maintains a disciplined, routined and
regulated lifestyle. Basically, a modest and shy person by
nature she does not like to meet any visitors. A private person
that she is, she loves the hustle-bustle-free, quiet, peaceful
environment of Hiranandani Gardens. Once in a while she makes
it a point to go down for a leisurely walk in her building
compound. Being a religious person she spends most of her
time in prayers.
Having sung more than 5000 songs in five different languages
with famous music directors, composers like S.D Burman, Naushad,
O.P Nayyar, Shyam Sunder, Madan Mohan, C. Rama Chandra, Hansaraj
Behl, Sardul Kwatra etc. She has led a very satisfying and
complete life as a singer, now she lives away from the limelight
in her own world amongst her very close family with her near
and dear ones. That is how she has chosen to be in the autumn
of her life.
Belonging to a highly respectable, conservative and orthodox
family it is surprising to note that she was initially allowed
to sing only in a burqa. Despite that, she blossomed into
one of the finest singers of the Hindi Film Industry (now
known as Bollywood) and also outside the Industry. Having
received no formal training, her clear full throated voice
was her USP. Once she had sung a few songs she became much
sought after very soon. From that time there was no looking
back for her. From one super hit to another, the best names
and banners in the industry clamoured for her. That was the
time when people saw immense talent and versatility she possessed.
She has sung a lot of Punjabi numbers as well, for which she
had a natural flair. Infact she was introduced and initiated
into singing by the renowned music director Master Gulam Haider
of Lahore, now in Pakistan, who gave her first break in the
Punjabi movie 'Yamula Jat'.
Today, when she reminisces and looks back at life and its
events she is filled with nostalgia and smiles on the era
left behind. She attributes this smile to having lived life
to its fullest with courage, grace, humility and conviction.
"PLANET POWAI" asked her
a few questions.
Q1. What do you think of the music of your times and of
today?
Ans. The music of today is louder than melody and the tune
that it should be. I perso-nally prefer the songs and music
of days gone by, though I don't intend to hurt anybody.
Q2. How do you like living here in Hiranandani Gardens?
Ans. It is wonderful living here. I love the peace, its quietness,
its tranquility and the freshness in the air. The view from
my apartment and the greenery all around is also an added
boon and a treat to the senses.
Q.3 What message do you have for the present generation
aspirants ?
Ans. Honesty, dedication and hard work are the key to success.
Also, I believe that one should enjoy what one is doing, then
invariably the results are good. Success is secondary, the
aim should be to excel in ones endeavours, go beyond and surpass
oneself.
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