One of the first playback singers of yesteryears, the legendary songstress Shamshad Begum passed away on April 23rd, 2013 at her Mumbai (Powai) residence. The daughter of Shamshad Begum , Usha Ratra confirmed the news. Owing to persistent ailment since last few months, Shamshad Begum was admitted to the hospital.

Shamshad Begum was at the peak of her career, when Melody Queen Lata Mangeshkar stepped into the world of playback singing. Begum dominated the period between 40's and 50's. She lent her voice to several evergreen tracks like 'Mere Piya Gaye Rangoon', 'Kahin Pe Nigahen Kahin Pe Nishaana', 'Kajra Mohabbat Wala', 'Leke Pehla Pehla Pyar', 'Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar', 'Saiyan Dil Mein Aana Re', 'Chod Babul Ka Ghar' and to list a few.

The great singer was born in Amritsar, Punjab on April 14, 1919. She began to steal the hearts of listeners from 16th December 1947 with her melodious voice on Peshawari Radio in Lahore. Post death of her husband, Ganpat Lal Batto, the singer was living with her daughter.