Geeta Dutt

Portrait of Indian playback singer Geeta Dutt

Geeta Dutt 2016 maximum card of India

Geeta Dutt 2013 stamp of India

Geeta Dutt (born Geetali Dutt; 23 November 1930 – 20 July 1972) was a prominent Indian playback singer and a well-known figure in the Hindi cinema. She was renowned for her soulful, emotive voice and for her versatility in singing across various genres of Indian music, including Bhajans, Ghazals, and Film music. Geeta Dutt's contribution to the Indian music industry has left an indelible mark, making her one of the most celebrated singers of her time.

Early Life

Geeta Dutt was born in Faridpur, British India (now in Bangladesh). She showed an interest in music from a very young age and was encouraged by her family to pursue her passion. Her singing career began when she moved to Mumbai with her family in the early 1940s.

Career

Geeta Dutt's career took off after she was discovered by music director S.D. Burman, who gave her the opportunity to sing in the movie Do Bhai (1947). The song "Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gaya" became an instant hit, and Geeta Dutt emerged as a sought-after singer in Bollywood. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, she worked with almost all the renowned music directors of the time, including O.P. Nayyar, Madan Mohan, and Hemant Kumar, delivering numerous hit songs.

Some of her most memorable songs include "Babuji Dheere Chalna" from Aar Paar (1954), "Jaane Kya Tune Kahi" from Pyaasa (1957), and "Na Jao Saiyan Chhuda Ke Baiyan" from Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962). Her ability to express deep emotions through her singing made her songs timeless classics.

Personal Life

Geeta Dutt was married to the renowned filmmaker Guru Dutt. Their marriage was initially happy, but later faced difficulties, partly due to Guru Dutt's alleged affairs and his untimely death in 1964. Geeta Dutt's life and career were deeply affected by her husband's demise, leading to a decline in her singing assignments.

Legacy

Despite her relatively short life, Geeta Dutt left a lasting legacy in the Indian music industry. Her unique singing style, characterized by its emotional depth and versatility, continues to be celebrated. She is remembered as one of the pioneering female playback singers in Bollywood, whose contributions paved the way for future generations.

Death

Geeta Dutt passed away on 20 July 1972, leaving behind a rich repertoire of songs that continue to enchant music lovers around the world.