Legendary Kashmiri singer and Padma Shri awardee Raj Begum died here today. She was 89. Raj Begum breathed her last at her daughter’s residence in Chanapora area of the city, Begum was born of Ghulam Rasool Sheikh of Magarmal Bagh in Srinagar on March 27, 1927.

Raj Begaum was awarded Padma Shri in 2002 and Sangeet Akademi award in 2013. She was also bestowed with State award by Jammu and Kashmir government in 2009.

Raj Begum’s captivating voice has ruled generations of Kashmiri music lovers. Starting off as wedding singer, she gradually rose to become one of the most powerful female voices of Kashmir.