Legendary singer Shamshad Begum passes away at 94

New Delhi: Legendary singer Shamshad Begum, one of the first playback singers in the Hindi film industry and voice behind hit songs like ‘Mere Piya Gaye Rangoon’, ‘Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar’ and ‘Kajra Mohabbat Wala’, has died at her Mumbai residence. She was 94. “She was not keeping well for past few months and was admitted to the hospital. She passed away last night. The funeral was a solemn affair with a few friends present,” Begum’s daughter Usha told PTI. Begum was born on 14 April, 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab. She made her debut on Peshawar Radio in Lahore on December 16, 1947, captivating the hearts of her listeners with her enchanting voice. [caption id=“attachment_723829” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] The legendary singer’s songs defined an era of music. Image courtesy: in.com[/caption] The singer has been living with her daughter Usha Ratra and son-in-law in Mumbai, ever since her husband Ganpat Lal Batto died in 1955. Her other hit tracks include ‘Kahin Pe Nigahen Kahin Pe Nishana’, ‘Boojh Mera Kya Naam Re’, ‘Saiyan Dil Mein Aana Re’, ‘Leke Pehla Pehla Pyar’ and ‘Chod Babul Ka Ghar’. PTI