Today on this day in 1998, the legendary playback singer of India, Talat Mahmood died. He played a pioneering role in shaping contemporary gazal singing. Known for singing soft and somber semi-classical and non-classical ghazals, He conquered innumerable hearts with his beautiful soft silken voice.

Talat was born on 24 February 1924, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, in a conservative Muslim family. At the age of 16, he began his career with All India Radio. It was in 1949 that he moved to Bombay and began to work in the film Industry there. During the 1950s he was a big name in Bollywood playback singer.

His voice is considered among the most soulful male voices ever heard in the Indian sub-continent. For his outstanding contribution, he was honored with the title of Shahenshah-e-Ghazal (King of Ghazals).

Talat Mahmood awarded with the Padma Bhushan (The third highest civilian award of republic India) in 1992, in recognition of his profound artistic contribution in the field of Music and Gazal. In his memory, India Postal Department has issued 500 Paise (5 Rupee) commemorative postage stamp in 2016.

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