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Begum Akhtar turned a passing poet's ghazal into a timeless melody
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News18•06-10-2026, 22:07
Begum Akhtar turned a passing poet's ghazal into a timeless melody
- •Begum Akhtar was born on October 7, 1914, in Faizabad, with her real name being Akhtari Bai Faizabadi.
- •Her famous ghazal Ai Mohabbat Tere Anjaam Pe Rona Aaya remains deeply embedded in the hearts of music lovers.
- •A poet handed her this written poetry on a roadside while she was traveling from Mumbai to Lucknow.
- •She composed the tune for the ghazal right on the train near Bhopal, which was originally written by Shakeel Badayuni.
- •Begum Akhtar passed away on October 30, 1974, but her soulful voice and ghazals continue to captivate listeners in gatherings today.
Key Questions Answered
A passing poet handed Begum Akhtar a piece of paper with his poetry while she was traveling by train from Mumbai to Lucknow. When the train reached near Bhopal, she took out her harmonium, composed the tune right there on the train, and gave the ghazal its immortal melody.
The famous poet Shakeel Badayuni wrote the verses for the iconic ghazal, which is marked by his pen name at the end.
Begum Akhtar was born on October 7, 1914, in Faizabad, and her real name was Akhtari Bai Faizabadi.
