Parveen Sultana is a celebrated figure in the world of Indian music, renowned for her exceptional talent in Hindustani classical music and her memorable contributions to film soundtracks. Born on July 10, 1950, in Nagaon, Assam, she was immersed in a musical environment from birth. Her father, Ikramul Majid, a vocalist and teacher, recognised her prodigious talent early on and began her initial training. She is a distinguished exponent of the Patiala Gharana, a style known for its powerful voice projection and intricate melodic passages. Adhering to the revered guru-shishya tradition, she further honed her skills under the guidance of Pandit Chinmoy Lahiri, who was esteemed for his extensive knowledge of various gharanas.
Sultana’s career began to flourish after her public debut at the young age of twelve. She is widely admired for her extraordinary vocal range, which impressively spans nearly four octaves. Her performances are marked by an effortless execution of complex and rapid melodic passages, known as taans, and intricate musical improvisations. Beyond her technical prowess, her singing is characterised by its profound emotional depth and clarity, creating a beautiful fusion of virtuosity and heartfelt expression. Her captivating performances have graced prestigious venues and festivals across India and around the globe, earning her international acclaim.
While her primary focus has always been classical music, Parveen Sultana has also made significant contributions as a playback singer in the film industry. She lent her distinctive classical voice to several movie soundtracks, including the iconic song “Humein Tumse Pyar Kitna” from the 1981 film Kudrat. Her voice can also be heard in the soundtracks of films like Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001) and 1920 (2008).
Throughout her illustrious career, Sultana has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards. At the remarkably young age of 25, she received the Padma Shri in 1976, one of India’s highest civilian honours. In 1998, she was presented with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in recognition of her contributions to Hindustani vocal music. Her achievements were further celebrated in 2014 when she was bestowed with the Padma Bhushan, the nation’s third-highest civilian award. Other notable accolades include the title “Cleopatra of Music,” the Gandharva Kalanidhi, the Miyan Tansen Prize, and the Sangeet Samraggi, awarded by the Assam Government.
Married to Ustad Dilshad Khan of the Kirana Gharana, Parveen Sultana is considered one of the foremost vocalists of her generation. Her powerful voice, technical brilliance, and profound understanding of ragas have solidified her legacy. She has played a vital role in popularising Hindustani classical music and continues to inspire a new generation of musicians, securing her place among the legends of Indian classical music.