Mohideen Baig


Mohideen Baig ; (5 December 1919 – 4 November 1991 was a notable Sri Lankan musician known particularly for his Buddhist devotional music, which enjoy popularity to this day. A Muslim who moved to Sri Lanka from Salem in Tamil Nadu, but of a Hyderabadi Muslim origin. He was considered a highly influential multicultural/multi-religious figure in the country's arts history. Baig was followed into the music industry by his son Ishaq, who also achieved considerable success, although not as well recognized as his father. Baig has dueted with H. R. Jothipala, G.S.B. Rani Perera, Latha Walpola, Sujatha Attanayake and Jamuna Rani among others. He was also the only Sri Lankan to duet with Lata Mangeshkar.
Mohideen Baig's most famous and most loved duets were sung with Sri Lankan movie legend, actress and songstress Rukmani Devi.

Life and career

Baig was born in Tamil Nadu, India and migrated to Sri Lanka in 1932, recording his first song "Karunaa Muhude" in a duet with K. K. Rajalakshmi in 1934. He debuted as a playback singer in 1947 in the second Sinhalese film Asokamala.
Baig achieved fame with songs such as "Buddham Saranam," "Maayaa," "Giri Hel Mudune," "Aadara Nadiya Gala," "Pem Mal Maala," "Wella Simbina Rella," "Anna Sudo," "Thaniwai Upanne," and "Loke Sihinayak Wageya." This popularity led to appearances at distinguished events such as the country's first Independence Day Ceremony and the 1976 Non-Aligned Summit.
In 1956, Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike awarded Baig with a Distinguished Citizenship. Baig also won the Sarasaviya Award for the Best Playback Singer for the film 'Allapu Gedara,' as well as the Kala Suri Award in 1983 and again in 1987.

Death

Baig died from an unexpected infection during cataract removal surgery. Following Islamic traditions, his funeral was organized within a day.