Legendary singer Mubarak Begum, one of the last links of Indian cinema with the golden age of Bollywood, passed away in Mumbai after prolonged illness. She was 80.
She passed away around 9.30 pm on Monday night at her Jogeshwari residence. She was ailing for quite some time and in the past had faced financial problems.
She is survived by her son Hussain, daughter-in-law Zarina and granddaughter Sana with whom she was living for many years.
The Rajasthan-born Shamshad Begum Shaikh was in the league of great women voices like Noorjehan, Shamshad Begum and Suraiya. In the 50s and 60s, she sang in several Bollywood movies, and also recorded and given public performances in a number of other genres, including ghazals.
“The soul of Mubarak Begum breaks free of earthly bounds. My condolences are with her family and loved ones. May peace be upon her,” Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Vinod Tawde tweeted, condoling the death of the singer.
Melody queen Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar and actor Salman Khan were among those who helped her.
She had collaborated with singers like S D Burman, Shankar-Jaikishan and Khayyam and had given voice to films that starred screen legends like Sunil Dutt, Nargis and Rajendra Kumar. Among her most memorable numbers were "Kabhi tanhaiyon me, hamari yaad ayegi" (Hamari Yaad Aayegi-1961); "Mujhko apne gala laga lo, ai mere hamrahi" (Hamrahi - 1963); "Neend udd jaye teri, chainse sone wale" (Juaari - 1968); "Wo na aayegi palat ke" (Devdas - 1955); "Wada humse kiya, dil kisiko diya" (Saraswatichandra - 1968).
Published 19 July 2016, 19:39 IST