Legendary Hindi Film playback singer Mubarak Begum Shaikh passed away after a prolonged illness at her residence in Mumbai on July 18. She was one of the top notch singers in the 50’s to late 60’s era and sung some memorable songs over the years. Her death news has really shocked the Film industry as she was one of the best singers of contemporary times.
From past few years, Mubarak Begum was suffering from health related issues and eventually lost the battle of life. She was 80 years old and died on the night of July 18. Her last rites will be performed on Tuesday (July 19).
As per her daughter-in-law Zarina Shaikh, “She breathed her last around 10 p.m. on Monday night at her Jogeshwari home. She had been ailing and hospitalized frequently since over a year with various health problems.”
Mubarak Begum was born in 1936 in Rajasthan and raised in Gujarat before foraying into Hindi film Industry. In one of the rare interview to Rajya Sabha TV in 2012, she says that she turned singer after seeing Noor Jehan and Suraiya singing in the movies.
Her songs ‘Woh Na Aayenge Palat’ from Devdas (1955) and ‘Kabhi Tanhaiyon Mein’ from ‘Hamari Yaad Aayegi’ (1961) are some of her best songs. Mubarak Begum singing career didn’t go well and soon she was left with no options.
She did struggle in her professional career and in her personal life. From last 20 years, she was suffering from health related issues. In 2011, the Maharashtra government had sanctioned Rs. 1 Lakh for her health treatment but still her health never recovered well.
It was even reported in the media that after her daughter death in 2015, she didn’t even have money left to pay her medical bills. So, in such scenario, it is expected that Bollywood industry does come forward and help her, but hardly anyone took an effort.
Altogether, She was a legend of the golden era and her absence will be felt in the industry in a big way. In conclusion, All I can say here for Mubarak Begum is ‘Kabhi Tanhaiyo Me Yu Humari Yaad Aayegi’.
