Begum Parveen Sultana is one of India's most respected Hindustani classical vocalists, particularly renowned for her powerful voice, exceptional vocal range and mastery of khayal singing. She is associated primarily with the Patiala Gharana and has also incorporated elements of the Kirana tradition into her musical style through her training under Ustad Dilshad Khan.
Alongside her classical career, Parveen Sultana has contributed to Hindi and Assamese cinema, recording memorable songs such as “Hamein Tumse Pyaar Kitna” from Kudrat, “Kaun Gali Gayo Shyam” from Pakeezah, and “Aan Milo Sajna” from Gadar: Ek Prem Katha.
Begum Parveen Sultana was born on 24 May 1950 in Puranigudam, Nagaon, Assam, India. She grew up in a musical family. Her father, Ikramul Majid, was a musician and her early musical education began under his guidance. Her mother was Marufa Majid.
Her father introduced her to the world of classical music at a young age and encouraged her to attend music festivals. She began performing publicly while still a child and eventually developed into one of India's leading classical female vocalists.
Parveen Sultana began her musical training under her father, Ikramul Majid, before receiving further instruction from Acharya Chinmoy Lahiri. She subsequently became a disciple of Ustad Dilshad Khan, who became an important influence on her musical development.
She gave her first classical recital at approximately 12 years of age and quickly gained recognition for her extraordinary vocal control and range.
Parveen Sultana is principally associated with the Patiala Gharana of Hindustani classical music.
Her training under Ustad Dilshad Khan also introduced elements of the Kirana Gharana into her gayaki. This combination contributed to her distinctive approach to melody, improvisation and vocal expression.
She is particularly admired for her handling of:
Her vocal range has been described as extending to nearly four and a half octaves.
Although Parveen Sultana is primarily a classical vocalist, she also established an important career as a playback singer.
She began her film career with the Assamese film Morom Trishna and subsequently recorded for Hindi and Assamese films.
Her film singing is notable because she brought the precision and richness of Hindustani classical music into commercial cinema.
Some of Parveen Sultana's notable film recordings include:
One of Parveen Sultana's most famous recordings is “Hamein Tumse Pyaar Kitna” from the 1981 film Kudrat.
The song is widely remembered as one of the finest examples of classical-influenced female playback singing in Hindi cinema. Her rendition demonstrates her extraordinary control, clarity and emotional expression.
The song became one of the defining recordings of her film career.
Parveen Sultana contributed to the soundtrack of the classic Hindi film Pakeezah (1972).
Her recording “Kaun Gali Gayo Shyam” showcased her classical training and provided an important example of her early work in Hindi cinema.
Parveen Sultana also sang “Aan Milo Sajna” for Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001).
The recording demonstrated that her classical voice could continue to find a place in mainstream Hindi cinema even decades after her initial film work.
In 2008, Parveen Sultana lent her voice to “Vaada Tum Se Hai Vaada”, associated with Vikram Bhatt's film 1920.
This later film appearance demonstrated the continuing demand for her distinctive classical vocal style.
Parveen Sultana has maintained a connection with Assamese cinema throughout her career.
Her early professional film work began with Assamese cinema, and she subsequently recorded songs for several Assamese productions. Her contribution helped connect Assamese film music with the wider tradition of Hindustani classical singing.
Parveen Sultana has performed extensively at major music festivals and concerts in India and abroad.
Her performances have taken her to international audiences, where she has presented Hindustani classical vocal music and represented India's rich classical musical heritage.
Parveen Sultana is particularly recognized for:
Her voice combines strength, clarity, agility and emotional depth, making her particularly effective in demanding classical compositions.
Parveen Sultana has received some of India's highest recognitions for contributions to music.
Her major honours include:
The Sangeet Natak Akademi officially recognizes her contribution to Hindustani vocal music and notes her exceptional range, power and command of classical vocal techniques.
Parveen Sultana has played an important role in bringing Hindustani classical music to wider audiences.
Her concerts, recordings and film work have allowed listeners who may not regularly attend classical concerts to experience the power and beauty of Indian classical vocal music.
Her career spanning more than six decades has made her one of the important female representatives of Hindustani classical singing in modern India.
Begum Parveen Sultana is regarded as a major figure in Hindustani classical vocal music. Her exceptional vocal range, powerful taans and mastery of classical forms have earned her recognition among both classical music connoisseurs and general audiences.
Her contribution to films such as Pakeezah, Kudrat, Vijeta, Razia Sultan, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and 1920 also gave her a unique place in the history of Indian playback singing.
Parveen Sultana is alive and continues to be recognized as an active figure in Indian classical music. Her official website describes her career as spanning six decades, while current music catalogs continue to feature her recordings.
Full Name: Begum Parveen Sultana
Profession: Hindustani Classical Singer / Playback Singer
Date of Birth: 24 May 1950
Birth Place: Puranigudam, Nagaon, Assam, India
Gharana: Patiala Gharana
Spouse: Ustad Dilshad Khan
Genres: Hindustani Classical, Khayal, Thumri, Ghazal, Bhajan, Filmi Music
Years Active: 1962–Present