Begum was born on January 11, 1942, in Bogra to Kasiruddin Talukder and Begum Ziaunnahar Talukder.[3] She was the youngest among her two brothers and five sisters.[3] She completed BA (hons) and MA from the department of sociology at the University of Dhaka.[3] She started her career in playback music in 1958.[4] She sang on film, television and stage. Her notable songs include Tumi Ashbe Boley, Akasher Hatey, Key Swaraner Prantore, Khokonshona, Chadni, Brishti Johon and Shathi Ronger.[1]
Begum was married to Masud Alam Siddiqui. Together they had one son Tariq Masrur, and one daughter, Umana Anjalin.[1] Her eldest sisters were Begum Zabunnesa Jamal, a lyricist and educationist and Mahbub Ara, a singer of radio and television. Her niece, Zeenat Rahana, is a vocal artiste and Runa Laila was her cousin sister.[3]
