Veteran Playback Singer Shamshad Begum Passes Away; A Look Back at Her Greatest Hits [VIDEOS]

Shamshad Begum, one of the first playback singers in the Hindi film industry, has passed away at her Mumbai residence at the age of 94.

The legendary singer gave hits like "Piya Gaye Rangoon", "Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar", "Kajra Mohabbat Wala" and "Leke pehla pehla pyaar".

"She was not keeping well for past few months and was admitted to the hospital. She passed away last night. The funeral was a solemn affair with a few friends present," Begum's daughter Usha told Press Trust of India.

Begum, who was born on 14 April, 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab, started her career in 1947 through Peshawar Radio in Lahore. Her melodious voice had touched the hearts of many listeners. 

She then started singing for Hindi films in 1941 with films like "Khazanchi", "Khandaan" and others. Begum is also credited for singing the first Indian westernised song "Meri jaan Meri jaan Sunday ke Sunday aana..." from the film "Shehnai" in 1974.

Several of her songs dating from the 50s are popular among the youth and are remixed by music directors.

Begum had married lawyer Ganpat Lal Batto. Her husband died in 1955 in an accident. She is survived by daughter Usha Ratra.

Her other hit tracks include "Mere Piya Gaye Rangoon", "Kahin Pe Nigahen Kahin Pe Nishana", "Boojh Mera Kya Naam Re", "Holi aayee re Kanhaai", "Saiyan Dil Mein Aana Re", "O Gadiwale", "Teri Mehfil Mein Qismat" and "Chod Babul Ka Ghar".

Below are some of Shamshad Begum's hit songs: