She was the first Muslim woman to take up the profession, way back in 1961
Alappuzha Ayisha Beegam
ALAPPUZHA: Alappuzha Ayisha Beegam, yesteryear revolutionary Kathaprasangam artiste who died here the other day aged 74, was living in penury after she suffered a stroke in 2003.
She was the first Muslim woman to take up the profession, way back in 1961, much to the opposition of her community. For more than four decades, she she narrated many popular tales in her unique style. She also performed at countless churches and temples.
Her life derailed after the death of her husband A. M. Sherif, a harmonium artist, in 1998. She was living with their only son, Ansar, in rented houses since. "She lived lavishly during the peak of her career in 1970s and 1980s when she used to perform up to 300 stages a year. She was charitable to co-artists. She had owned more than two cars. But all the luxuries ended after her husband's death. We sold out all our properties and lived in rented houses here," Mr Ansar said.
Ayisha had received several honours including Sangeetha Nataka Akademy’s Gurupooja in 2008 and Folklore Academy Award in 2008. She was a permanent Mappilappattu singer on Akashavani from 1970 to 2001 and HMV released many of her popular numbers.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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