Asgari Bai, Indian singer, 88
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illness. She was 88.
Asgari Bai, who was undergoing treatment for several ailments related
to old age for the past year, is survived by four sons and three
daughters, her family said.
Crowned with many awards, the artiste enthralled music lovers not only
in Madhya Pradesh but across the country with her unique style and
talent for decades. She was awarded the Padmashri on March 24, 1990.
A recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in February 1987, Asgari
Bai was honoured by the Madhya Pradesh government with the Tansen
Samman in December 1985 and the Sikhar Samman in February 1986.
Born in 1918 at Bijawar in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district to a
family of musicians, she learnt and nurtured singing since childhood.
Her mother Nazir Begum was a court singer for the erstwhile royal
family of Bijawar, while her grandmother Balayat Bibi adorned the court
of Ajaygarh princely state.
Trained under the guidance of Ustad Zahur Khan, Asgari Bai acquired
extraordinary expertise in Dhrupad to reign as the main court singer
for the Orchha dynasty. She was also invited by other royal families to
treat music lovers to her spellbinding performances.
Known for her versatility and capacity to present a synthesis of
diverse ragas and talas, Asgari Bai went on to regale the world of
music and connoisseurs of art after the country's independence.
Though she had to face hardship and difficulties when the royal
families stopped patronising music and dance, the singer showed
extraordinary tenacity to keep her style alive in a highly competitive
environment.
Married to Agra-based businessman Chamanlal Gupta, she gradually won
recognition from the state government and carved a niche for herself
despite several ups and downs.
A host of distinguished persons from different walks of life, including
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, have condoled her death.
(India Today)