Nazia Hassan remembered on 25th death anniversary

It has been 25 years since the voice that defined a generation fell silent, yet Nazia Hassan's songs still echo from wedding dance floors to late-night radio shows. Her melodies — playful, defiant, and irresistibly catchy — became the soundtrack of youthful dreams across South Asia.

From Aap Jaisa Koi to Disco Deewane, her music broke boundaries and shaped the sound of an entire generation. She wasn't just a pop icon — she was a movement. Her presence, her power, and her joy continue to inspire artists decades later.

On August 13 in 2000, the "Queen of Pop" lost her battle to lung cancer at just 35, leaving behind not only chart-topping hits but also a legacy of hope, style, and fearless creativity that continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.

The 25th death anniversary of the legendary pop singer was observed on Wednesday with tributes pouring in from her fans.

Born in Karachi on April 3, 1965, Nazia began singing as a child and made her first appearance on Pakistan Television at just 10 years old. Few could have predicted that the soft-spoken young girl would grow into an international sensation.

Her big break came when Indian composer Biddu offered her the chance to sing "Aap Jaisa Koi" for the Bollywood blockbuster Qurbani in 1980. The song's disco beats and Nazia's fresh, youthful voice struck a chord far beyond Pakistan and India, topping charts and winning her a Filmfare Award — making her the first Pakistani to achieve the honour.

Soon after, Nazia teamed up with her brother Zoheb Hassan for their debut album Disco Deewane (1981). It smashed records across Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, becoming a cultural phenomenon. More albums followed — Boom Boom, Young Tarang, Hotline — each producing songs that would become anthems of the 1980s and 1990s.

More than a pop star

Behind the glamorous stage persona, Nazia was deeply committed to humanitarian causes. She worked with the United Nations as a cultural ambassador and was actively involved in initiatives for underprivileged children. Friends and collaborators recall her as humble, grounded, and generous, someone who valued kindness over celebrity.

Her music broke boundaries not only in genre but in representation — she became a rare example of a Pakistani woman who achieved global fame while maintaining a wholesome, dignified public image.