Noor Jehan: Celebrating the Icon on Her 98th Birthday

Today, the subcontinent honors the legendary singer Malika-e-Tarannum Noor Jehan on what would have been her 98th birthday.

Born on September 21, 1926, in a musical family in Kasur, Noor Jehan was a luminous figure in the world of music, renowned for her enchanting voice. Her journey in music began at the tender age of four, under the guidance of family teacher Ghulam Muhammad. By the age of seven, she was already captivating audiences on stage alongside her sister and cousin.

Initially, she performed popular songs by notable singers like Mukhtar Begum and Akhtari Bai Faizabadi. Her family’s move to Lahore opened new doors, leading her to the influential musician G.A. Chishti, who helped hone her talent and created original compositions for her.

Noor Jehan launched her film career in 1935 with “Pand Di Kadiyan,” later showcasing her acting skills in acclaimed films like “Anmol Ghadi,” “Heer Syal,” and “Sassi Punnu.”

In 1941, she gained recognition as a playback singer in “Khazanchi,” marking a turning point in her career. That same year, the film “Khandan” brought her personal happiness as she married director Shaukat Hussain Rizvi.

Before the partition of India, she starred in significant films such as “Dost,” “Laal Haveli,” and “Bari Maa.” Post-independence, she made her mark in Pakistani cinema with “Chun Way,” which she also directed.

Her impressive filmography includes titles like “Gulnar,” “Dupatta,” and “Mirza Ghalib.” Ultimately, she dedicated herself to singing, recording songs for nearly 1,000 films, with her final work in “Gabru Punjab Da” released in 2000.

Noor Jehan’s contribution to music includes over ten thousand ghazals, and her extraordinary vocal technique earned her admiration across the industry. Her songs resonated from the entertainment realm to the battlefield, particularly during the 1965 war, when she sang national anthems that remain etched in the nation’s memory.

In recognition of her artistic achievements, the Government of Pakistan awarded her the Presidential Medal of Performance and the Nishan-e-Imtiaz. Noor Jehan passed away on December 23, 2000, leaving behind an indelible legacy that continues to inspire countless artists and fans.