Bollywood takes Mubarak Begum to heart

Her call for embrace became the anthem for a generation of love-struck youngsters. Nearly five decades after Mubarak Begum lent her voice to 'Mujhko Apne Gale Laga Lo', the playback singer is leading a life of hardship in a nondescript house in Jogeshwari.

Long-forgotten by the Hindi film industry, deserted by her husband and struggling to make ends meet, Begum has finally caught Bollywood’s attention. A group of industry insiders, who look after senior artistes living in penury, has decided to help get financial and medical aid for the septuagenarian. 

“It is unfortunate that artistes past their prime are neglected by all those who loved them in their heydays,” said Bollywood scriptwriter Rekha Nigam, who started a  support group to collect funds for ailing actor AK Hangal. Nigam has roped in friends and colleagues like filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani and Pradeep Sarkar to contribute towards Begum’s welfare fund. She hopes to raise Rs1 lakh in the next few days.

“Money is the easiest thing to give. The real contribution is when people give their time to these forgotten artistes,” added Nigam. She is planning a radio programme featuring the singer. “She could sing a few of her songs on air. Meanwhile, fans can call in and speak to her,” she said.

“It was tough finding resources to support my family. It still is,” said Begum who receives Rs3,000 as monthly pension from the government.