Shamshad Begum, who had been ailing for the past few months, died on Tuesday evening. A widow since 1955, she lived with her daughter Usha Ratra. The funeral ceremonies were conducted on Tuesday night at a small, private affair with a few friends and admirers in Andheri east.

Shamshad Begum receiving Padma Bhushan Award from former President Pratibha Devi Patil.File pic.