The Nightingale of The East; Noor Jehan Remembered on Death Anniversary

From Allah Wasai to earning the title of Malika-e-Tarannum (Queen of Melody), Begum Noor Jehan still reign and rule the hearts of millions across the globe.

“Gaye Gi Dunya Geet Mere

Sureele ang mein nirale rang mein

Bhare hain armanon mein

Gaye gi dunya geet mere”

Today marks the 20^th death anniversary of the “Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat Mere Mehboob Na Maang” Singer.

Born in the city of Sufi poet Bhulley Shah, Kasur on September 21, 1926;  Malka-e Taranum (real name Allah Wasai) became a stylish icon famous for her silk sarees, bold eye make-up and hairdos. She was a woman of substance.

“Jawan hai Mohabbat
Haseen hai zamana
Lutaaya hai dil ne
khushi Ka khazana”

She is estimated to have made more than 40 films and sung around 20,000 numbers during a career that lasted more than half a century.

Acting career

Jehan starred in her first Pakistani film Chan Wey (1951), which was also her first Pakistani film as a heroine and playback singer. Her other notable films include Dopatta (1952), and Mirza Ghalib (1961).

Playback singing Career

Singing was, for Jehan, not effortless but an emotionally and physically draining exercise. She made her debut exclusively as a playback singer in the film Salma (1960). Her popularity was further boosted with her patriotic songs during the 1965 war between Pakistan and India. Moreover, she sang a large number of duets with Ahmed Rushdi, Mehdi Hassan, Masood Rana, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Mujeeb Aalam.

Awards and Honors

Noor Jehan received more than 15 Nigar Awards for Best Female Playback Singer, eight for best Urdu Singer Female and the rest for Punjabi playback

• Pride of Performance (1965)
• Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (1965)
• Sitara-e-Imtiaz (1996)

“Aawaz de kahaan hai
Duniya meri jawan hai
Aabaad mere dil mein ummeed ka jahaan hai
Duniya meri jawan hai”

She died 20 years ago, on December 23, 2000, at the age of 74. She shared a heritage that will always be loved.