‘Melody Queen’ Noor Jehan’s Reputation Endures Even After 22 Years

Wraa Noor Haider

Islamabad: Legendary Noor Jehan, one of the subcontinent’s most well-known and significant vocalists, passed away 22 years ago. Today, the 22nd anniversary of her death, the nation remembers her significant contribution to the music industry.

Madam Noor Jehan, who is regarded as having one of South Asia’s most melodic voices, dominated the Pakistani cinema and music industries for many years. She sung many Ghazals and songs in Urdu, Sindhi, and Punjabi and was awarded the honorary title of Malika-e-Tarannum.

She was a fashionable icon known for her silk saris, daring eye makeup and hairstyles, and sparkling diamonds. She was a woman of substance.

All around the nation, admirers pay tribute to the legendary singer. Millions of people were moved by the Queen of Melody’s sweet voice, which produced a flawless fusion of vocal gestures and emotional expressions.

Early Life & Career

Born on September 21, 1926, in Kasur, the hometown of the sufi poet Bulleh Shah, her real name was Allah Wasai. Noor Jehan began her musical career in Calcutta at the age of nine as a child vocalist. She received music from her family.

She relocated from Bombay to Pakistan following the partition, where she began her career acting in theatrical productions and eventually rose to stardom through singing and cinema acting due to her inherent affinity for both.

She has the distinction of being the first female film director in Pakistani cinema, with the 1951 picture ‘Chann Wey’, in addition to establishing her identity in the fields of music and acting.

In 1961, her final film, ‘Ghalib,’ was released.

Noor Jehan has nearly made over 40 films over the course of her 35-year career and performed over 20,000 hit songs in a variety of languages, including Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, and Sindhi.

She won numerous accolades for her acting and singing talents, including the President Award in 1957 and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (The Pride of Performance) in 1966, the highest honour in Pakistani entertainment.

Malika-e-Tarrannum earned immense fame by singing national-patriotic songs like ‘Ay Putar Hatan Tay Nae Wikday’ during the Indo-Pak war of 1965. They are a significant part of our country’s history.

After performing the Punjabi song ‘Ki Dam Da Bharosa Yaar’ in ‘Sakhi Badshah’ (1996), she ended her illustrious career on a high note and dominated the Pakistani music industry.

Musician Salman Adil said, “Noor Jehan’s distinctive voice transcended beyond all social, regional, and cultural boundaries; and was greatly adored by music fans all around the world.”

She was a dedicated artist who gave the world a very positive impression of Pakistani women. Today, hundreds of her pupils and admirers are continuing on her legacy.

In light of the iconic artist’s significant contributions to the entertainment business, Salman suggested creating a trust or music institution in her honour.

On December 23, 2000, Noor Jehan died as a result of heart failure and was buried in Karachi.