Shamshad Begum, the iconic singer who had sung over 6,000 songs in various languages, including Hindustani, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, and Punjabi, During her visit to Delhi, she was scheduled to record a few songs at All India Radio (AIR). As a young Programme Executive for AIR, Pushpa Butta, my cousin, was assigned to accompany her on a tour of the Radio Station Delhi. This opportunity allowed her to be in the company of one of the most revered voices in South Asian music history.
Shamshad Begum
During the recording session at the AIR studio, an unexpected situation arose. Shamshad Begum, despite her legendary status, momentarily forgot the lyrics of one of her own songs, "Kanka Diyan Phasla Pakian Ne…" The studio atmosphere was tense, with everyone eagerly waiting for her to continue. In that critical moment, Pushpa Butta stepped in and provided the full lyrics of the song, helping legendary Begum to continue with her recording.
This gesture not only saved the session but also left a lasting impression on everyone present. Shamshad Begum, iconic singer was particularly astonished. She was taken aback by the fact that a young woman in her twenties, still emerging in her career, could recall the lyrics of such a classic song with such precision. Shamshad Begum expressed her surprise and admiration for Pushpa’s knowledge and memory.
Pushpa Butta Agnihotri
The secret to this remarkable recall was her upbringing. She had learned this song from her parents, who had passed down their love for music to her. This deep-rooted connection to the music of earlier generations enabled Pushpa to assist in such a significant moment, creating a memorable experience that blended her professional role with her personal heritage.
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