Remembering Noor Jehan: The Melody Queen on her 99th birth anniversary

Lahore: Today marks the 99th birth anniversary of Noor Jehan, the iconic “Melody Queen” whose soulful voice has left an everlasting impact on South Asian music.

Renowned for her unmatched contribution to film music and patriotic songs, Noor Jehan remains an enduring symbol of passion and artistry, cherished by millions across generations.

Born as Allah Wasai on September 21, 1926, in Kasur, British India, Noor Jehan began her career as a child artist in 1935 with the film Pind Di Kuri.

She quickly rose to fame with notable performances in movies like Anmol Ghadi, Heer Sial, and Sassi Punnu. In 1941, music director Ghulam Haider introduced her as a playback singer in the film Khazanchi, marking the start of her illustrious singing career.

After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Noor Jehan made her debut in Lollywood with the film Channway.

Although she initially juggled both acting and singing, she soon devoted herself entirely to singing, becoming the voice of countless unforgettable songs. Over her career, Noor Jehan recorded songs for nearly 1,000 films and performed more than 10,000 songs and ghazals, including memorable renditions of Allama Iqbal’s poetry.

On the personal front, Noor Jehan was married to renowned music composer Shaukat Hussain Rizvi, and their partnership was both personal and professional, contributing greatly to Pakistan’s film industry.

Her resilience and dedication to her art inspired many, as she continued to sing during challenging times, including wartime, where her patriotic songs boosted the nation’s morale.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, the Government of Pakistan honored Noor Jehan with the prestigious Presidential Award for Pride of Performance and the Sitara-e-Imtiaz. Her legacy continues to inspire artists and music lovers alike.