Noor Jehan

Biography

Noor Jehan, often hailed as Malika-e-Tarannum (Queen of Melody), was a legendary figure in South Asian music and cinema. Born as Allah Rakhi Wasai on September 21, 1926, in Kasur, Punjab, British India, she displayed a passion for music and performance from a very young age. Encouraged by her family, she received classical music training and began her career as a child star in the 1930s.

She transitioned seamlessly from child roles into adult stardom, becoming one of the most popular and highest-paid actresses of her time. Noor Jehan's early film career flourished in British India with hits like Khandaan (1942), where her singing and acting received widespread acclaim. Her voice had a unique richness and emotional depth, which made her songs timeless.

Following the partition of India in 1947, Noor Jehan migrated to Pakistan, where she became an icon of Pakistani cinema and music. She acted in several Pakistani films, including Dupatta (1952) and Intezar (1956), but gradually shifted her focus to playback singing. Her voice became the soul of Pakistani cinema, and she lent her vocals to countless actresses across decades.

Noor Jehan’s contributions went beyond film music; she played a vital role in boosting morale through patriotic songs during the wars in 1965 and 1971. Her renditions inspired millions and remain classics of national pride.

Over her six-decade-long career, she sang thousands of songs in multiple languages, including Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindi, and received numerous awards and honors for her extraordinary contributions to music and film.

Noor Jehan passed away on December 23, 2000, but her legacy lives on through her unforgettable voice and indelible impact on South Asian culture.