In the glitzy and glamorous world of Bollywood many stars come and go but there are a few rare gems that remain etched in the memories of the audience for years to come. One such similar tale is of a legendary singer who stood toe to toe with many music legends like Lata Mangeshkar and captivated everyone with her soulful voice. But despite her major success and lending her voice to over 175 songs she eventually spent her final years in illness and poverty. Who was Mubarak Begum? The person that we are talking about is none other than Mubarak Begum. Born on 5th January 1936 in Sujangarh a small town in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district Mubarak Begum faced challenges quite early on. She spent her life in extreme poverty due to which she never received a formal education. However she was always interested in music. She trained in classical music under Ustad Riazuddin Khan and Ustad Samad Khan of the Kirana Gharana which laid the foundation of her singing journey. Mubarak Begum Bollywood Break Songs and More She started performing on All India Radio where her soulful voice captured the attention of top composers. In 1949 she started her journey in the industry. She got her big break in Bollywood with the film Aiye singing “Mohe Aane Lagi Angdaai Aaja Aaja. She also worked with music legends like S.D. Burman Shankar-Jaikishan and Khayyam sang iconic songs such as “Kabhi Tanhaiyon Mein Yun Hamari Yaad Aayegi” (Hamari Yaad Aayegi 1961) “Mujhko Apne Gale Laga Lo” (Hamrahi 1963) “Hum Haal-e-Dil Sunayenge” (Madhumati 1958) and “Wada Humse Kiya” (Saraswatichandra). But despite receiving major success professionally initially she found herself derailed by the growing politics of the industry. One thing led to another and she stopped receiving offers and gradually fizzled out of mainstream music. Yet she never begged for work or help. In one of her final interviews she said “If I have to ask for help what do I say? Even if I get no more work at least my name still lives on.” Mubarak Begum took her last breath on 18th July 2016. She passed away at her humble home in Jogeshwari Mumbai after battling illness. She was 80. Begum might have left the world today but her legacy still lives on.