MUMBAI: Legendary playback singer Shamshad Begum, neglected by the music industry and the authorities for several years, is suddenly back in the spotlight - for being nominated for the Padma Bhushan award, and for being conferred the prestigious O P Nayyar award.

Shamshad Begum, who became a rage in the 1940s and 1950s with songs like Leke pehla pehla pyar... and Kabhi aar kabhi paar..., has always been a reclusive singer. Begum, who started her career with All India Radio in 1937, became a sensation during the 1940s and the late 1950s and worked with maestros like Naushad Ali and O.P. Nayyar. She is credited with singing one of the first Westernised songs, Meri jaan… Sunday ke Sunday... in the Hindi film industry, and her singing was characterised by a nasal twang.

Some of her memorable numbers are Kahin pe nigahen kahin pe nishana..., Poochh mera kya naam re..., Mere piya gaye Rangoon..., and Holi aayee re Kanhaai.... The O P Nayyar award, to be given to Shamshad Begum for her contribution to Hindi film music,  will be presented to Shamshad Begum on 29 January at her residence in Powai, Mumbai. The award consists of a sterling silver trophy weighing 1 kg and cash award of Rs 25,000.

Reports say that Shamshad Begum has agreed to accept the felicitation, but has asked for the prize money to be given to charities.

Accordingly, the foundation has decided to give the cash prize of Rs 25,000 plus the remaining amount out of other sponsorships and ticket sales after meeting the programme expenses to Eklavya child education and health foundation.

The first O P Nayyar award was awarded to famous saxophone player, arranger and music director, Manohari Singh, last year.