The First Women In The Groove(Singing Stars)

 Gauhar Jaan(1875-1930)

          

She was a Superstar of the new century, having first recorded an album in1902. She was an American-Jewish who could sing in 20 languages. Her fee was Rs. 300 per evening and she used to make a brave show when she drove at shutdown on the Maidan in a fine carriage. She never wore same jewels twice.

 Jaddan Bai(1892-1949)

                                              

She was one of the pioneers of cinema, an actress , music composer and filmmaker rolled into one. She launched her own company, Sangeet Movie-tone, and in her first film, Madam Fashion, gave a role to her daughter, Baby Rani (Nargis).Her compassion for professional twaifs is reflected in many of her films. She was born in Banaras, Uttar Pardesh in 1892 or 1908 and was raised in Allahabad.

Janaki Bai  

She received training from Ustad Hassu Khan of Lucknow. There are many stories why she is called CHAPPAN CHHURI-she got 56 knife scars from some jealous ruffian and thus the name. Her compositions were published as Diwan-ai-Janaki. Conscious of her ordinary looks, she performed in Rewa (M.P.) from behind a curtain , telling the king: "Maharaj fankaar ki surat nahin seerat dekhi jati hai"(an artists should be judged by her art not her looks)