Iconic Bangladeshi singer passes away

World Sunday 24/March/2019 14:41 PM
By: Times News Service

Muscat: Famous Bangladeshi singer Shahnaz Begum, who rose to fame in Pakistan, passed away in Dhaka after suffering cardiac arrest.

Born in Dhaka in 1952, the 67-year-old singer gained fame in Pakistan after singing iconic national songs like Sohni Dharti Allah Rakhay and Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan.

Shireen Mazari, Minister for Human Rights in Pakistan, took to Twitter and wrote: “So sad to hear of the passing of Shahnaz Begum - what an amazing voice. RIP.”

Another Pakistani politician and former leader of Opposition in the Senate of Pakistan, Sherry Rehman, expressed her condolences.

“Pakistan and Bangladesh will both mourn the passing of this wonderful singer: Shahnaz Begum on PTV: her signature anthem celebrating Pakistan “Sohni Dharti Allah Rakhay” commissioned by PM Zulifqar Ali Bhutto, written by Jameeluddin Aali,” Rehman wrote on Twitter.

Moreover, Pakistan’s national broadcaster, PTV News paid tribute to the legendary singer “whose unmistakable voice, behind an unforgettable anthem, shall resonate forever in our hearts. You shall never be forgotten.”

Begum was the recipient of the 'Ekushey Padak' in 1992, the second highest civilian award in Bangladesh, and also won the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for a song from the film Chhutir Phande in 1990.