Contents
Begum Akhtar
Giving ghazal, dadra and thumri a distinctive expressive voice.
Ghazal recordings · Radio performances
- Born
- 7 October 1914
- Birthplace
- Faizabad, India
- Died
- 30 October 1974
More people
Begum Akhtar
Begum Akhtar was an Indian singer whose performances joined classical technique with close attention to poetry. Her recordings and teaching made her a major figure in Hindustani light-classical music.
Early life
Early inspiration
Was drawn to music as a child after hearing a touring theatre performer.
Training
Studied with several teachers, including Imdad Khan and Ata Mohammed Khan.
Career
- 1930s
Public recognition
Built a reputation through concerts, records and film appearances.
- 1942
Roti
Appeared and sang in Mehboob Khan’s film.
- 1948
Return to broadcasting
Recorded for All India Radio after a break following marriage.
Selected work
Ghazal recordings
Brought poetic interpretation and classical phrasing to commercial records.
Radio performances
Reached listeners through sustained All India Radio work.
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Received national recognition for vocal music.
Beyond work
Marriage
Married barrister Ishtiaq Ahmed Abbasi in 1945.
Teaching
Mentored singers including Shanti Hiranand, who later wrote about their relationship.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗IGNCA biography ↗Photo: Begum Akhtar in Roti (1942) — film still. Copyright retained by the credited rights holder · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.