Mubarak Begum in dire straits
Veteran singer Mubarak Begum, once compared to Lata Mangeshkar is today fighting to survive in the overcrowded bylanes of Jogeshwari. She was famous for songs like Kabhi tanhaiyon mein hamari yaad aayegi and Mujhko apne gale laga lo ae mere humrahi.
Her husband walked out on her years back. She now lives with a 40-year-old bedridden daughter suffering from the advanced stages of Parkinson's disease and a son who drives two taxis to make ends meet. The once glorified singer herself earns a measly pension of Rs 700 a month from the government.
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees headed by Dharmesh Tiwari has now started a foundation named Basera to help the needy and provide them with a monthly ration. And they have decided to help the singer out.
"This year, we plan to help Mubarak Begum. She is in dire straits. Last year, we gave her medical facilities. This year we plan to fund her yearly rent. We are also looking at some land for an old age home in Mumbai, where neglected people of the industry can stay comfortably since the film industry is the only institution where there is no form of government aid or pension plans," informs Dharmesh Tiwari.
