A Muslim woman’s devotional songs have cast a bewitching spell on Hindus, making her the most sought after artist in puja pandals across the Mahakoshal region. Shahnaz Akhtar herself is observing Ramzan fast.   Invitations are pouring in from all parts of the region. She has already performed at Mandla, Betul, Gondia, Narsinghpur and Jabalpur.

A native of Seoni, Shahnaz says her being Muslim did not ever pose  a problem in singing at Devi Puja pandals. “Neither Hindus nor Muslims have objected to my shows. In fact, my well-wishers and parents always encouraged me to sing Devi songs.”

Read more: Communal harmony
>>Shanaz Akhtar videos
>>Hindu woman sings in praise of Hazrat Ali