Biography of Siddheshwari Devi

Born: 8 August 1908, Varanasi
Died: 18 March 1977, New Delhi

One of the successful singers of the 20th century Siddheshwari Devi was christened the queen of Thumri' by Ustad Faiyaz Khan in 1940. In fact, she had inherited music as a legacy from her ancestors. She was born on August 8, 1908. Her primary education was completed at her house. Seeing her interest in music, she was sent to Pandit Siyaji Mishra and Pandit Bade Ramdasji to get a formal education in music.

Siddheshwari Devi's singing was pure Banarsi. She sang all the four pat along with Thumri, Kajari and Bhajan. She was a specialist of Khayaal and Dhrupad-Dhamar.

Siddheshwari Devi acted in some films also. These films were produced by Cinotone Film Company and she also worked as a Thumri teacher in Indian Art Centre. Her first musical concert was held in Bihar. In 1967, she was given the fellowship of Sangeet Natak Academy and in 1966, she was honoured with the title of Padma Shri. She died on March 18, 1977.