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Anjuman Ara Begum: a dignified and exemplary presence during the '60s-'70s

Her contemporaries were Ferdousi Rahman, Farida Yasmeen, Syed Abdul Hadi, Khondokar Faruque Ahmed, Mahmudun Nabi, Nina Hamid, and a host of others.

Ferdousi Rahman, an eminent singer of the country, while reminiscing on the late artiste, said that she knew her from her college days. It was during one of the cultural weeks of Eden College when Ferdousi first met Anjuman Ara Begum. Famous music directors Abdul Ahad and Samar Das along with vocalist Husna Banu Khanam were present as judges at the contest.

Since Ferdousi was already performing in the radio, she was dropped from the competition. Anjuman Ara and Farida Yasmeen, another popular singer of those days, were two years junior to her. Farida had also come into the limelight through the competition.

From then on, the three artistes had mesmerised the audience with their performance on stage and as playback singers.

Anjuman Ara came into the public eye through her superb performance in modern songs as well as in film soundtracks. Her Urdu number in Chanda, Chandni bhiki bhiki hawa na jani tum kaha, and Bangla numbers like Akasher hathey achhey ek rash neel, Obhimaan koro na, Key biroher prantorey and a host of other songs earned widespread popularity. Tumi ashbey boley bhalo bashbey boley in Shutarang was an instant hit number, said Ferdousi.

Abdul Hadi, an eminent singer of the country, mourned the death of the artiste. He said that she was a pioneer in the field of Bangla popular music. Hadi added that they had begun their career almost at the same time. 'Anjuman Ara left for the eternal abode while her contemporaries are now waiting at the departure lounge.' He said it was difficult to express his grief about the brilliant singer's demise.

While talking to eminent composer Azad Rahman, he said that Anjuman Ara had all the rare qualities of an artiste. 'She was dedicated and decent in all respect as an artiste and also as a person. Although she performed pop songs, she had a dignified and exemplary presence on stage and as a person,' he said. Anjuman Ara sang numerous numbers in his compositions such as Amaye eto bhalo beshona, Amito tomay Bhalobasha, Mon achhey tai achhey bedona and many more.

The Culture Desk of The Daily Star offers its deep sympathy to the bereaved family.