In Memory Of Feroza Begum | Arun Dutta | Interview | 2021

Interviewee: Arun Dutta
Host: Chinmoyee Chakraborty
Recording Date: July 2021
Producer: Shusmita Anis
Copyright: ACI Foundation

Arun Datta had a very close acquaintance with late Kamal Dasgupta, the legendary music composer of the Indian subcontinent and the husband of the Nazrul sangeet legend late Feroza Begum. A noted singer himself, Arun Datta has reminisced his dear memories with the famous couple, especially the life and works of late Feroza Begum. Arun Datta lives in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Legendary Nazrul Sangeet singer Feroza Begum was born in a Muslim family in Faridpur, British Raj (now Bangladesh) on 28 July 1930 to the Zamindars of Ratail Ghonaparha. She became drawn to music in her childhood and started her music career in 1940s.

Feroza Begum first sang in All India Radio, while studying in sixth grade. She met poet Kazi Nazrul Islam at the age of 10. In 1942, she recorded her first Islamic song by the gramophone record company HMV in 78 rpm disk format. She lived in Kolkata from 1954 until she moved to Dhaka in 1967. In 1956, Feroza Begum was married to the legendary music composer and director of the Indian subcontinent, Kamal Dasgupta.

Feroza Begum died on 9 September 2014 in Dhaka at the age of 84. She left behind three sons.

The Feroza Begum Archive: 92R31X282021
For listening pleasure only. No intention to infringe copyright.