Singers, historians remember Begum Akhtar
LUCKNOW: The doyen of ghazal and thumri, Begum Akhtar, possessed the ability to heal a person running high fever with her mellifluous voice.
Remembering many other such qualities of Begum who is revered by generations of the musicians, a discussion “Ruh-b-ruh’’ was held to mark her 100th birth anniversary at Jai Shankar Prasad Hall on Saturday where scholars and musicians brought forth a number of aspects of Begum’s personality, her singing and her bond with Lucknow.
Saleem Kidwai, historian and author and a close aide of malika-e-ghazal Begum Akhtar, said, “She had the skill to maintain a personal contact with the audience during her performances.”
Kidwai rubbished the myth that Begum was not allowed to sing after she married Ishtiaq Ahmad Abbasi of Kakori.
“There weren’t any restrictions imposed on her ever. In fact, she was a person who couldn’t live without singing. However, she wouldn’t accept offers for commercial shows in Lucknow. She demanded no money but could not refuse any singing offer also,” added Kidwai.
While Saleem Kidwai couldn’t resist the urge to bring to the fore the lesser known traits of Begum’s personality, former Jawaharlal Nehru University professor and author Sharib Rudaulvi praised her soothing singing and explained some of the famous ghazals of Ghalib that Begum Akhtar often sang.
“I met Begum Akhtar many a time in the meetings hosted by my relatives. Also whenever Jigar Moradabadi came to Lucknow, Begum Akhtar’s mehfil was sure to be organised,” said Rudaulvi.
“Her ghazals were sooth- ing--so much so that they would heal a person running high temperature,” he added.
Amit Mukherji, singer, threw light on her singing ability.
Though Begum Akhtar decided to shift to Lucknow and left the glamour of Bollywood, Kolkata was equally dear to her.
“People in Kolkata still remember her and any programme hosted in her name draws a sea of admirers. Such is the love for Begum Akhtar there,” said Mukherji.
Mukherji added, “Lucknow never invited Begum Akhtar for her shows and this is what made her sad. She would say that while Delhi and other
LUCKNOW NEVER INVITED BEGUM AKHTAR FOR HER SHOWS AND THIS IS WHAT MADE HER SAD. SHE WOULD SAY THAT WHILE DELHI WOULD INVITE HER OFTEN, LUCKNOW GAVE HER NO SUCH OPPORTUNITY
AMIT MUKHERJI, singer
places would invite her often, Lucknow gave her no such opportunity.”
The panelists also praised the farsightedness of Begum Akhtar.
Saleem said, “Begum Akhtar and her mother owned a lot of property in Chowk. But they decided to set up their house in Hazratganj in 1940s behind the Jahangirabad palace. She knew that with time, the culture of mehfils was shifting to the heart of the city. She was right as her mehfils would be packed and a number of people visited her there.”