Raj Begum

Raj Begum was a Kashmiri folk singer. She was born on 27th March 1927 in Magarmal Bagh, Kashmir. Her father's name is Ghulam Rasool Sheikh. She started singing during her childhood. In early times she used to sing at weddings. When a Radio station started in Kashmir, she began her performance in the radio station. Raj Begum is also called the Nightingale of Kashmir. Her father praised her musical talent since childhood. Her voice changed the viewpoint of music lovers. A few of her songs are Madangaro, Muqam, Salam, Nazre, Vaav Rasi, Pyari Pyari Aakho, Cheni, Chum Ne, Nazre, Cholhamo, Mei Kari, Vyasiye gulan aavuy bahar and Subhaye.

Awards won by Raj Begum are the Padma Shri, the Jammu and Kashmir State Cultural Award, the Jammu And Kashmir State Excellence In Folk Music Award, the Government Of Madhya Pradesh State Award, the Bakshi Memorial Committee Award, the Silver Shield by Kala Kendra, the Gold Medal For Best Concert In Kashmiri Folk Music by Jammu And Kashmir State, Robe Of Honor from Jammu And Kashmir Academy Of Art, Culture, And Languages, Sadiq Memorial Award and Natak Akademi Award. She left this world at the age of 89 on 26th October 2016.