Noor Jehan’s 97th birthday observed

Music icon recorded over 20,000 songs during her career

LAHORE:

The 97th birth anniversary of legendary musician and actress Noor Jehan was marked across the country on Thursday.

Born Allah Wasai in Kasur, Noor Jehan is considered a true gift to the world of music and cinema to this very day, having earned monikers like 'Melody Queen' and 'Queen of Hearts'. Her mesmerising voice and unique style quickly propelled her to stardom, making her one of South Asia's greatest singers.

Noor Jehan's influence extended beyond music; she played a pivotal role in boosting the morale of the armed forces during the 1965 war through her motivational songs, igniting a sense of patriotism and national unity. Hits like "Aye Watan ke Sajelay Jawano" and "Rang Laye Ga Shaheedon ka Lahoo" resonated deeply with Pakistanis.

Throughout her career, she demonstrated her versatility by excelling in various genres of music, including ghazal, folk, and playback. Her voice was synonymous with success in the film industry, as she recorded over 20,000 songs in different languages, holding a record for the most songs in the history of Pakistani cinema.

Noor Jehan's films, such as 'Zeenat', 'Dupatta', 'Anarkali', and 'Intezar', proved immensely popular and contributed significantly to Pakistan's cinema industry.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 22^nd, 2023.