Munni Baji

Early life She was born Parveen Akhtar in Shimla, Punjab, British India in 1929. Even as an adult, she was just 50 inches tall and had a child-like voice.

In 1955, after receiving the lost property, she shifted to the Ratan Talao area in Karachi along with her family. Her residence was just behind the Radio Pakistan building. In Karachi, she had people that she knew from Delhi. Veteran broadcaster Z. A. Bokhari was a friend of her grandfather and helped her a lot. Her grandfather who was allotted a canteen at the government offices, handed over the canteen to her brother Maqsood and her. Bachchon Ki Duniya is still remembered by the young-ones of the 1970s and 1980s. During the same period, she regularly voiced in children's radio program called "Tot Batot" from Radio Pakistan Karachi. Bachon ki Duniya and Tot Batot were produced by Syeda Naz Kazmi (producer at Radio Pakistan Karachi). She once did a TV programme Badon Ke Liye for a private company.

Her poor health forced her to retire in 1993 but she worked on contracts till 1998 and 2007.

Personal life Munni did not marry and had devoted all her life to raising her two brothers and sister and her younger brother Maqsood Hassan was also an actor.

Illness and death She died from heart failure on 14 May 2007 in Karachi and was laid to rest at Milk Plant graveyard.

Tribute Qazi Wajid paid tribute to her calling her a big sister and supporter. Talat Hussain described her a great artiste that she inspired many generations who also said that he was an admirer of her work.

Awards and recognition Year Award Category Result Title Ref. 1999 Nigar Award Ilyas Rashidi Lifetime Achievement Gold Medal Herself