Her voice had the seductiveness of mellow wine. When Begum Akhtar sang, she could make her audience sway to every emotion In the lyrics of a ghazal.

Once ghazals and thumris were the music of the court singers. It was Begum Akhtar's great artistry that took the music from the 'kothas' and gave it a place on the concert stage as a light classical music.

This is the captivating story of one of India's legendary musicians. Born in a family of court singers, she transformed herself from Akhtaribai Faizabadi to the revered Begum Akhtar. A singer who captured the heart of a nation by her grace and incomparable singing.

Charitavali is a series of biographies dedicated to the legendary figures of India. The series presents the lives of great kings, freedom fighters, political thinkers, social reformers, pioneers of industry, eminent scientists, philosophers, artists, musicians, dancers and film stars, writers and sports people. These biographies have been written for the reader who is curious about the life, achievements and character of these legends. Full of fascinating stories and facts, written in an easy, story telling style, these biographies will make these great Indian and their times come alive for the reader.