Family wrangles haunted Dhrupad exponent in twilight years

Tikamgarh, MP, Aug 9 (UNI) For Dhrupad exponent Asgari Bai, her final years proved to be a bed of thorns courtesy her children desiring monetary benefits accruing from her exalted status.

The erstwhile court singer of Tikamgarh passed away this morning at her ancestral residence here following prolonged illness.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed grief over her demise.

Born in Bijawar in 1918, Asgari left the place at a tender age in pursuit of music.

The artiste was conferred with a range of accolades including the Padmashree.

Her marriage with Agra-resident Chimanlal Gupta lasted 25 years and he predeceased her. Asgari is survived by four sons and three daughters.

Besides the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the singer was also decorated with the prestigious 'Tansen Samman' by the state government in 1985 and 'Shikhar Samman' the following year.

Anguished over squabbles between her children on government grants, Asgari last August expressed a desire to return to the government the honours bestowed on her in order to maintain the dignity of the awards.

''My eldest son, Babu, failed to respect me. The awards are dear to me and I know what he will do to them after my death,'' the artiste had said.

UNI Team-AC SP PA HS1553