2014 - Birth Centenary of Begum Akhtar | Commemorative Coin

The 4th commemorative coin of 2014 was released to mark the Birth Centenary of Begum Akhtar. 

Begum Akhtar, born Akhtari Bai Faizabadi in 1914, remains one of India’s most cherished voices, revered as the “Mallika-e-Ghazal” for her unmatched contribution to the world of ghazal, dadra and thumri. Her journey from a gifted young singer to a legendary classical vocalist is a story of extraordinary talent, emotional depth and unwavering dedication to her art. Growing up in a culturally vibrant environment, she was introduced early to the music of maestros like Ustad Imdad Khan, Ata Mohammed Khan and later Ustad Jhande Khan, whose guidance helped refine her raw talent into a mature and expressive musical style. By the age of fifteen, she had already earned widespread recognition, marking the beginning of a luminous artistic career.

Begum Akhtar’s voice carried an unmistakable emotional intensity, blending technical perfection with profound feeling. Her renditions of ghazals, rooted in Urdu poetry, resonated with listeners because she could evoke longing, heartbreak, devotion and joy with equal finesse. She had a remarkable ability to interpret the soul of a poem, infusing her performance with subtle variations, intricate ornamentation and a deep personal touch. Her thumris and dadras in the Purab-ang tradition showcased the richness of her classical training, while her ghazals reflected the ease with which she could move beyond strict classical structures into a space of lyrical expression that touched the hearts of a wider audience.

At a time when the gramophone and radio were transforming the reach of Indian music, Begum Akhtar emerged as one of the most recognized voices in the country. Her recordings became immensely popular, and her performances on All India Radio played a pivotal role in bringing classical and semi-classical music to homes across India. She also acted in a few films during the early part of her career, lending her voice to songs that echoed the emotional intensity she brought to her classical repertoire. However, after her marriage to barrister Ishtiaq Ahmed Abbasi, she stepped away from public singing for several years. The absence from her art deeply affected her, and eventually she returned to music with renewed passion—a return that marked some of the most memorable performances of her career.

Begum Akhtar’s later years were filled with concerts, recordings and widespread acclaim. Her ability to connect with audiences remained undiminished, and she continued to captivate listeners with her expressive style and mastery of Urdu poetry. She was honored with the Padma Shri in 1968 and the Padma Bhushan in 1975, recognition that reflected her stature as one of the foremost musicians of her time. Her influence on future generations of singers, particularly in the realm of ghazal singing, has been profound. Many contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration from her phrasing, emotive delivery and ability to balance classical discipline with poetic expression.

Begum Akhtar passed away in 1974 while still doing what she loved most—performing before an audience. Her legacy lives on through her timeless recordings, which continue to move listeners with their intimacy and emotional truth. She remains a symbol of artistic devotion, a bridge between classical purity and popular appeal, and a beacon for lovers of Urdu poetry and Indian musical tradition. Her voice, rich with experience and emotion, ensures that she will forever remain one of the most iconic figures in India’s musical heritage.

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