New Delhi, March 17: The melodies of classic Hindi cinema still resonate with many, and one such unforgettable voice belongs to Rajkumari. At just 10 years old, she captured the hearts of producers with her singing and became a celebrated figure in the film industry. From the 1930s to the 1970s, she lent her voice to hundreds of songs and acted in numerous films. Her enchanting voice continues to echo in timeless classics like ‘Bawre Nain’, ‘Mahal’, and ‘Pakeezah’.
Rajkumari Dubey is among the few playback singers in Hindi cinema whose songs have never aged. She made a significant mark in the realms of music and acting. Her passion for music was evident from a young age, and she recorded her first song at just 10. The moment she performed at a public event, producers Vijay Bhatt and Prakash Bhatt of Prakash Pictures were so impressed that they immediately sought to work with her.
Born in 1924, Rajkumari did not receive formal music education, yet her natural talent and deep interest in singing propelled her forward. She recorded her first song for HMV, and her talent soon reached audiences through various performances. Prakash Pictures offered her roles in the Gujarati film ‘Sansar Leela’ and the Hindi film ‘Nayi Duniya’. Her song ‘Akhiyan Gulabi Jaise Madhu Ki Hai Pyaliyan’ became quite popular. She played lead roles in films like ‘Aankh Ka Tara’ (1933), ‘Turki Sher’, and ‘Bhakt Aur Bhagwan’ (1934).
Collaborating with composers like Lallu Bhai, she produced many memorable songs. Although her relationship with Prakash Pictures eventually ended, she chose the path of playback singing, contributing her voice to numerous tracks for actresses like Ratnamala and Shobhana Samarth.
Some of her most famous songs include ‘Sun Bairi Balam Sach Bol’ from ‘Bawre Nain’, ‘Ghabrana Ke Jo Hum Sar Ko Takrayen’ from ‘Mahal’, and ‘Nazariya Ki Maari’ from ‘Pakeezah’. Composer Roshan provided her with significant songs in films like ‘Bawre Nain’ and ‘Anhoni’. Her duets with Mukesh also gained immense popularity.
Rajkumari sang not only in Hindi but also in Bengali and Punjabi. The arrival of Lata Mangeshkar in the 1950s transformed the playback singing landscape, yet Rajkumari’s voice remains immortal in classic films. She also collaborated with O.P. Nayyar in various projects.
She married V.K. Dubey from Varanasi. In her later years, she faced financial struggles, but her singing carved a permanent place in the hearts of millions.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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