Veteran Playback Singer Mubarak Begum Seeks Help From Maharashtra Govt
02 December, Mumbai
The 75-year-old veteran playback singer Mubarak Begum, who is currently living in her one-bedroom house in Jogeshwari area of Mumbai suburb along with her son who too is unwell, has urged the Maharashtra as well as the Union governments to help her financially as the family does not have any sources ofincome to come out of the truama it is facing.
The playback singer has been suffering from the Parkinson’s disease since her daughter passed away recently. Her son was a taxi driver but now he cannot drive due to poor vision.
“I do not feel like doing any thing. I know Allah has been kind enough to me, I was once a good playback singer but now I cannot sing because of my old age. I lost my daughter I do not feel like eating food too,” Begum said in while talking to mediapersons here.
She adds that even the government has not come to her rescue.
“We are unable to solve the crisis in our family, as the prices of every essential commodities have risen. It is hard for us to manage all the household expenses as well as take care of our family,” said her daughter-in-law Zarina Shaikh.
“Though I am ill, I still have passion for singing. I have nothing to do now but I cannot forget my old times. When work was there I used to earn, but now there is no work. By Allah’s grace, help comes in from some kind people. But if I have to ask for help for myself, what I have to say on my condition?” the veteran singer questioned.
Begum has sung various songs like ‘Mohe Aane Lagi Angrayi, Aja Aja Balam’ for composer Naushad, ‘Kabhi Tanhaiyon Mein Yun’ for composer Snehal Bhatkar in Kidar Sharma’s film ‘Hamari Yaad Aayegi’, ‘Mujhko Apne Gale Lagalo’ from the movie ‘Hamrahi’ and as many as 178 songs in her career.
Even senior BJP leader and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted about Begum’s condition so that people can come forward to help her financially.
“Any assistance that can help her live with dignity. Please kindly do the needful,” she tweeted.
Renowned musician Ghulam Mustafa Khan too urged government officials to come forward and help the Begum.
Each and every renowned artistes who have given their lives for the service of Arts and Culture should be given a pension after a retirement age as it is given to government servants and politicians among others.
“Mubarak Begum is indeed a very good artiste and deserves government support at this difficult time of life,” added Khan.