On the 23rd death anniversary of the legendary singer Malika-e-Tarannum Noor Jehan, Pakistan pays tribute to the iconic artist. Born on September 21, 1926, as Allah Wasai, she began her singing career in Calcutta at the age of nine and became a child star. Noor Jehan, also known as the Queen of Melody, sang thousands of songs and made significant contributions to the music industry. After partition, she started her film career in Pakistan as an actress, singer, and the first female film director. Her national patriotic songs during the 1965 Pak-India war are considered integral to Pakistan’s history. Noor Jehan received numerous awards, including the Pride of Performance and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz. She passed away on December 23, 2000, in Karachi.
In tribute, Khalid Hasan reflects on Noor Jehan’s enduring legacy, emphasizing her significance in both music and cultural history. He acknowledges her impact on the diaspora, stating, “Madam lives in her music, and this is not a cliché. She does indeed live.” He notes her choice to come to Pakistan after the partition, her connection to Kasur, and her love for Lahore. Khalid Hasan describes Noor Jehan as a great woman and artist, emphasizing that her music makes her immortal. Despite her physical absence, the devotion and love people feel for her ensure that she remains cherished and remembered.
