Veteran ghazal singer and actor Talat Aziz and his family are recovering after a late-night fire broke out at their residential building in Mumbai’s Juhu neighbourhood on Friday. The singer, his wife Bina Talat Aziz, other family members and his trainer Sakendra Singh suffered suffocation after a short circuit set the home ablaze, and they were rushed to hospital.
Aziz said the blaze began on the ground floor and gutted that level along with parts of the first floor. “There was a short circuit on my ground floor and gutted the ground floor plus parts of the first floor. We suffered lots of damage and it’s unlivable until it’s restored,” he told Hindustan Times. He added, “We are safe but had a close call.”
A rescue through the bathroom window
Bina Talat Aziz was trapped in a bedroom upstairs as the flames spread. She was brought to safety through the bathroom window, the singer said. The family has now moved into temporary accommodation with the help of a friend while the house is restored.
“The fire spread through the house quickly within minutes and it was in flames before we could do anything,” Aziz said. “We are trying to process what happened and recovering. The love from friends and industry colleagues who called to check on us is touching.”
What the close call reminds every household
Short-circuit fires can spread quickly. The singer’s account of flames taking over within minutes is a sobering reminder to prepare before an emergency begins. In Mumbai, many homes combine older wiring with modern appliances and festive-season load, so a short circuit is a familiar ignition point. A quick household check can help:
- Test the main MCB and earth-leakage trip switches, especially before festive lighting and extra appliances.
- Keep bedroom windows and balcony exits clear enough to open in an emergency.
- Agree on a family exit route and a meeting point if the main door is blocked.
A familiar voice in ghazals and film
Talat Aziz has long been a recognisable name in Hindustani music, known for his ghazal repertoire and acting appearances. For many fans, an accident involving a beloved performer is personal: the voice behind the music is also a family in recovery.
For now, the important thing is that the family is out of danger and has a temporary roof over their heads. The Juhu house remains unlivable until restoration work is completed, and the singer said the messages from colleagues and friends have been a source of comfort.
The incident puts residential fire safety back in focus in Mumbai, where standalone homes and high-rise apartments can be equally vulnerable once an electrical fault takes hold. For fans and well-wishers, the relief is that the family escaped and is being supported while they recover.
Source: Hindustan Times
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