“What a voice, flowing like the rivers of Punjab..”, exclaimed the famous music director O.P. Nayyar, for that sweet, clinking vocalist Shamshad Begum. She had a strong Punjabi folk accent, expression and abandon, an excellent command over rhythmic cycles with short intervals and a full throated, spirited voice having a rough but suggestive timbre. A legend with a voice like liquid gold gleaming in the sun, she was one of the pioneer playback singers in Punjabi Cinema and the first superstar playback songstress of Indian cinema. The singing sensation from Lahore, an exponent in folk music, Shamshad captured the imagination of listeners with her mellifluous, crisp and deep voice. The present generation, however, visualise her a singer, who excelled in the rendition of mischievous, flirty and juicy songs. Her voice was like a temple bell and fans cocked their ears to gramophone reeling out the mischievous Kahin Pe Nigahen.. or the racy Meri Jaan... Sunday Ke Sunday or it cou
Spotlight on Indian Cinema