The Most Beautiful Voice Shamshad Begum a Few Songs

Legendary playback singer Shamshad Begum, who mesmerised music lovers with her classic songs, died at her Mumbai residence from age-related ailments On April 23. We pay her a tribute here.

Know a voice that wears the curve of a smile, the twinkle of mischief in the eyes, an indomitable zest for life?

And the unanimous answer shall be Shamshad Begum.

Her ebullient singing is synonymous with light-hearted banter and saucy propositions but her range wasn't restricted to rapture. The legendary singer flexed her skills to convey heartache with just as much potency making her unique from her contemporaries.

Born in Amritsar, the genial and accessible Shamshad Begum didn't get any official training in music since her family wasn't too keen on her pursuing it as a profession. Eventually, she convinced them and sang for her first film in Punjabi -- Yamla Jat -- under the great composer Ghulam Haider. Her songs caught on and so did her popularity, which soared with hit numbers from Aag, Aan, Deedar, Babul, Awaara, CID, Naya Daur, Mother India, Mughal-E-Azam and Kismat.

 Chhod Babul Ka Ghar, Babul (1950)

 Ek Do Teen, Awara (1951)

 Holi Aayi Re Kanhai, Mother India (1957)

 Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar, Aar Paar (1954)

 Kahin Pe Nigahen Kahin Pe Nishana, Leke Pehla Pehla Pyaar, Boojh Mera Kya Naam Re CID (1956)

 Kajra Mohabbat Wala, Kismat (1969)

 Reshmi salwar kurta jaali ka, Naya Daur (1957)

 Saiyan Dil Mein Aana Re, Bahar (1951)

 Teri Mehfil Mein Kismat, Mughal-E-Azam (1960)

 The Superhits of Shamshad Begum

Her ageless appeal is reaffirmed from the fact that most of her big hits have been transformed into successful remixes.

The 94-year-old Padma Bhushan recipient, who made some of her most memorable songs with music directors like Naushad and O P Nayyar, Passed Away  on April 23. But the splendor of her songs, the euphoria it generates will live on for time immemorial.

Here's a tribute to the melodious legend with a compilation of her 10 most popular songs.

Mere Piya Gaye Rangoon, Patanga (1949)

Patanga 1949 chartbuster has enjoyed many a decades of glory . Here's why:

C Ramachandran's sprightly song, Mere Piya Gaye Rangoon illustrates the woes of long-distance romance through Shamshad Begum's impish complains over the 'telephone' and Chitalkar's equally sporty response picturised on a radiant Nigar Sultana and the yesteryear comedian Gope.