Begum Akhtar

Begum Akhtar, originally named Akhtari Bai Faizabadi, was born into a once-privileged family in Lucknow, which had seen better days. Despite her father, Asghar Hussein, being a judge who opposed her singing career, it was her mother, Mushtari Begum, a professional singer and tawaif, who recognized Akhtar's extraordinary talent early on. By the age of thirteen, she was performing alongside her mother, and at fifteen, she captivated the head of HMV records, who encouraged her to make her first recording. Notably expressive, Begum Akhtar mastered the bhao batana style of emotive singing.

She honed her craft under Ustad Ada Muhammad Khan from the Patiala gharana, becoming proficient in light classical music, particularly ghazals. Her film career spanned from 1933 to 1942, with "Roti" marking her most significant success. After marrying Istiaq Ahmad Abbasi, the Nawab of Kakori, in 1946, she faced challenges as he preferred her to abandon her singing. However, she eventually resumed her career, recording again in 1949 and performing for Lucknow Radio, which saw her popularity soar as she reinvented her image.

Begum Akhtar played a pivotal role in promoting ghazals and light classical music, setting high standards with her enchanting performances. She was honored with the Padma Shri in 1968 and the Sangeet Natak Academy Award in 1972. Following her passing on October 30, 1974, shortly after a concert in Ahmedabad, she was awarded the Padma Bhushan posthumously in 1975, leaving an enduring legacy in Indian music.