Gauhar Jaan : The First Voice Of India

Gauhar Jaan was an Indian singer and dancer from Kolkata. She was the first performers to record her voice on 78rmp records in India in 1902, and released by Gramophone Company of India. She was born as Angelina Yeoward on 26th June, 1873 in Azamgarh , of Armenian descent. Her father , William Robert Yeoward and mother, Victoria Hemmings. later, Victoria and Angelina converted to Islam and changed Angelina’s name to “Gauharjaan” and “Victoria”s to “Malkajaan”. Malkajaan and Gauhar moved back to Kolkata in 1883, and Gauhar started performing in Kolkata in 1896. Gauharjaan knew 20 languages and recorded 600 songs in different languages. She also performed in front of King George v .Gauharjaan popularized light Hindustani classical music with her thumri, dadra, kajri,chaiti, bhajan, tarana renditions. She was appointed as a “Palace musician” in Mysore. She died on 17th January, 1930 in Mysore. This film is about the vibrant Career and life of that Singing and dancing genius of India.