SHAMSHAD BEGUM
Playback Singing Pioneer
A Living Legend
Golden Voice, Golden Heart
"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.
Full Version: Shamshad Begum At Powai
QUOTE(sbfan @ Jan 21 2007, 02:19 AM) 
SHAMSHAD BEGUM
Playback Singing Pioneer
A Living Legend
Golden Voice, Golden Heart
"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.
very thanks for shamshad ji.
pleas noter now she is 87 yearold.
dhall
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