Talat Mahmood(Urdu: طلعت محمود) was born in Lucknow, India, on February 24, 1924. His father was Manzoor Mahmood. Talat showed his musical leanings from a very young age and would enjoy sitting through all-night music soiree's listening patiently to some of the biggest names in classical Indian music then. Talat's father was a good singer, as were his sisters. But being from a conservative Muslim background, singing was not encouraged. Talat had to choose between a career in acting and singing and staying at home.