Although best known as an icon of modern songs and playback music, Anjuman Ara was an equally adept exponent of patriotic songs, folk songs, Nazrul songs, semi-classical songs and ghazal.

She started her career in playback music in 1958 at the age of 16 and also rendered one of the first songs telecast on BTV when it started its operation in 1964.

In an illustrious musical career spanning over 40 years, she lent her voice to numerous memorable songs. Aakasher Haatey Achhe Ekraash Neel, Tumi Ashbe Bole, Obhimaan Korona, Chaadni Bhigi Bhigi Hawa, Kay Swaran er Prantare, Barkat Salaamer Shonite, Kedona Kedona Mago, and Brishti Jokhon Jhore are only a few of hundreds of her most popular songs that touched the hearts of people over the years. Several of them are archived in Gramophone Records and HMV while her popular songs for youngsters (such as Khokon Shona, Sath'ti Ronger Majhe, Ko-Kho-Go) are recorded in an audio cassette 'Khokon Shona Boli Shono'.

Anjuman Ara represented Bangladesh in many cultural programmes at home and abroad. Besides being a member of the Film Jury Board and the Executive Board of Jatiya Mahila Sangstha, she also took part in various socio-cultural activities.

For her contribution to music, Anjuman Ara was honoured with several accolades, including the Ekushey Padak in 2003. She also received the Tarokalok Award, Gunijan Award (from Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy) and Koloddhani Padak.

To mark her death anniversary, a milad and doa mahfil and feeding of the destitute have been arranged by her family.