Gauhar Jaan – The First Recording Star of India

This play brings alive the extraordinary journey of Gauhar Jaan, one of the most celebrated performing artistes of the late 19th and early 20th century — a legendary singer, dancer and stage icon who redefined the world of music and performance.

Born in 1873 as Angelina Yeoward, she moved to Benaras after her parents separated, embraced Islam and became Gauhar Jaan. Later in Calcutta, she trained under great maestros like Kale Khan of Patiala and Ustad Wazir Khan of Rampur, mastering Hindustani classical styles such as Dhrupad, Dhamar, and Kathak.

Her life was a striking contrast — while she achieved unmatched fame in the royal courts and elite salons, her personal life remained deeply tragic. From her maiden royal performance at the Darbhanga Raj court in 1887, to becoming India’s first Gramophone recording celebrity, Gauhar Jaan rose as a symbol of brilliance and resilience. In her final years, she served as the court singer of Mysore, where she passed away in 1930.

Director’s Note 

Gauhar Jaan was a larger-than-life artiste of Calcutta — admired for her talent, charisma, and daring spirit. Though she is lesser-known today, she was once among India’s biggest stars and the country’s first recorded music icon.

This play is a tribute to her artistry, her struggles, and her remarkable ability to adapt and survive in a changing society — leaving behind a legacy that deserves to be remembered and celebrated.