Shahnaaz Akhtar
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A brief biography
Shahnaz Akhtar, born on 12 September 1974 in Barghat, near Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh, India, is a prominent Indian Bhajan singer and stage show artist. She gained recognition for singing devotional hymns dedicated to Hindu deities, particularly Mata, which brought her into the spotlight from an early age. Despite facing significant challenges, including a fatwa issued against her, Shahnaz continued her passion for singing Bhajans.
She completed her education at a local school in Barghat and went on to graduate. Her father, Ustad Mohammad Hanif, was a classical musician and tabla player, while her mother, Shabnam Akhtar, was a well-known folk singer. Shahnaz released her first album in 2005 and has since produced over 75 albums, establishing a unique identity in temples and religious gatherings. One of her most famous songs, "Chum-Chum Channan Baje Maiya Paav Paijania," became a super hit, further solidifying her place in the world of devotional music.
Shahnaz remained in the headlines from the beginning for singing bhajans of the mother goddess despite being a Muslim. Society and family members discouraged her, but she always followed her heart. From 2005-2008, she made a special place for herself in temples and pandals by singing many bhajans.
Crime
However, in 2009, she was jailed in the murder case of her boyfriend.
In 2009, police found the body of a 19-year-old youth near Kurai village in Seoni district, identified as Azhar Khan, who was Shahnaz's boyfriend. After an investigation, Shahnaz, her husband Ejaz, and others related to the case were arrested. It is said that Shahnaz had an extramarital affair with Azhar, which her husband disapproved of. Shahnaz and the other accused were sentenced to life imprisonment, and she was later out on parole.
