Kalashuri Baig’s commemoration to mark 97th birth anniversary today

Friday, 5 December 2014 01:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Ruzaik Farook The Kirulapone Kala Art Foundation organised Kalashuri Mohideen Baig’s Commemoration show today (5 December) to mark his 97th birth anniversary; also distributing dry rations to the needy people by his son Illyas Baig. Several artistes will be participating at this event. Kalashuri Mohideen Baig was born in the Salem District of India 5 December 1919. Baig was a well-known popular Sri Lankan musician throughout country. He sang in Sinhala, Tamil, Islamic and Urudu songs. Baig has dueted with H.R. Jothipala, Rani Perera, Latha Walpola, Sujatha Attanayake and Jamuna Rani among others. He sang a lot of Buddhism theme songs also. His film songs are well over six thousand. Baig won the 1967 Sarasaviya Award for the Best Playback Singer for his singing in the film Allapu Geder. Baig won the Kalashoori Award in 1983 and 1987. He achieved fame singing songs like Buddhang Saranang, Maya, Adara Nadiya Gala, Pem Mal Mala, Thaniwai Upanne and Loke Sihinayak Wageya. Baig was trained by a family member of the famous Urudu singer Sheik Ameer and Sheik Fareed. He was a confident artiste and was spotted by late Prof. Mohamed Ghouse who trained so many of the leading singers. He was liked and appreciated by all the communities and he was awarded the title of Kalashuri by late President Ranasinghe Premadasa. Baig’s sons Ishak Baig, Illyas Baig and Daughter Mueena Baig are also singers like their father was. He died at the age of 72 on 4 November 1991. By his death the country lost a great singer.