Roshan Ara Begum

Roshan Ara Begum (1917 – 6 December 1982) was a vocalist belonging to the Kirana gharana (singing style) of Hindustani classical music. She is also known by her honorific title Malika-e-Mauseeqi (The Queen of Music) and The Queen of Classical Music in both Pakistan and India.

Possessing a rich and mature voice that could lend itself to a wide range of classical music pieces, her singing features a full-throated voice, short and delicate passages of sur, lyricism, romantic appeal, and swift taans. These were combined in her unique style, which reached its peak from 1945 to 1982. Her vigorous style of singing was interspersed with bold strokes and layakari. She had control over a wide range of ragas. Melody was considered the most important feature of her singing.

Career Melody was considered the most important feature of her singing.

She was called "Malika-e-Mauseeqi" (Queen of Music) in Pakistan.

Awards and recognition Roshan Ara Begum received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz Award, or (Star of Excellence) Award, in 1962 and the Pride of Performance Award in 1960 from the President of Pakistan. She was the first female vocalist to be awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz.