Born not far from Lucknow in Faizabad, Akhtaribai Faizabadi, renowned as Begum Akhtar, stood as one of India’s most legendary Hindustani Classical music singers.
With a repertoire of over 400 songs, her mastery spanned diverse musical forms, including Ghazals, Dadra, and Thumri. Begum Akhtar’s voice possessed remarkable depth, and her unmatched artistry allowed her to shape it flawlessly, crafting a style that remains unparalleled to this day.
A source of inspiration for other singing legends of Indian industry
Dominating both the music and early Bollywood scenes from the 1940s to the 1960s, she earned the title ‘Mallika-e-Ghazal’ (the queen of Ghazal) for her remarkable ability to both sing and compose her songs. Notably, she made cameo appearances in several films of her era, including Satyajit Ray’s ‘Jalsaghar’.
Her influence extended beyond her lifetime, serving as an inspiration to subsequent female singing legends like Geeta Dutt, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.
A music night remembering the rich legacy of Begum Akhtar
In honor of the remarkable life and musical contributions of the legendary folk singer Begum Akhtar, Lucknow’s esteemed government-run music institution, Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyala, is preparing to host a special musical event.
The event, titled ‘Yaad-e-Begum Akhtar’ (In memory of Begum Akhtar), is scheduled for her birth anniversary on October 7. The program will feature performances by talented Bhatkhande students, along with a captivating rendition by singer Sangeeta Nerurkar. For aficionados of Hindustani classical music, this event is a must-attend, commencing at 6 pm at the institute.
Date: October 7 | 6 PM onwards
Where: Kala Mandapam, Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Qaiserbagh
Entry Free
