NOOR JEHAN

A star that shone on the firmament of the Indian cinema as an actor and a singer in the beginning and later became an iconic singer/ actor of Pakistan , Noor Jehan, born Allah Rakhi Wasai started singing at the age of five. Pushed into singing to continue the family tradition ,she learnt Hindustani Classical Music of the Patiala Ghrana from Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and was trained in Thumri, Khayal and Dhrupad. Initiated into singing by G.A. Chishti, her singing talent was recognized she started giving public performances . Endowed with good looks and sharp features,in due course she was offered role in films, thus fulfilling her cherished dream . Making her debut in 1935 as a child artiste , between 1935 and 1942 she acted in a number of films, probably 15 or 16. It was in 1942 that she was offered a role in film Khandan opposite Pran . The film became a hit and Noor Jehan got launched on an acting career. Between 1942 and 1947, she acted in films like Duhai, Naukar, Lal Haveli , Dost, Zeenat , Gaon Ki Gori , Badi Maa, Bhai jaan and some others but the films that catapulted her to fame as an actor and a singer were Anmol Ghadi, Jugnu and Mirza sahibaan. With the duet - Yahan Badla Wafa Ka Bewafai Ke Siwa Kya Hai – in film Jugnu Mohammad Rafi also got established as a full fledged playback singer. 

In India almost all her songs and many of the films became hits . Her songs are remembered & hummed even today. Both Noor Jehan and Suraiya virtually ruled the film world doubling as actors and singers . On the formation of Pakistan in 1947, she and her husband Shaukat Hussain Rizvi left India and settled in Karachi. In Pakistan Noor Jehan became a leading female actor and singer and was duly honoured by the Government there by awarding her Tamagha-e-Imtiyaz Sitara-e- Imtiyaz . She also received the Life Time Achievement Award twice. Besides, she is known by the honorific Malika –e Tarannum – Queen Of Melody .

Some of her most popular songs are _

Awaz De Kahan hai – duet 

Aja Tujhe Afsana Judai Ka Sunayen

Hamen to Sham-e Gham Mein Katni hai Zindagi Apni 

Kis Tarah Bhoole ga Dil

Diya Jala Kar Aap Bijhaya

Baithi Hun teri yaad Ksa Le Kar Ke Sahara 

Kya Mil Gaya Bhagwan Tumhen Dil Ko Dukha Ke 

Mere Bachpan Ke Sathi Mujhe Bhool Na Jana 

Haath Seene Pae Jo rakh Do To Qaraar Aa Jaye - Duet 

Yahan Badla Wafa Ka Bewafai Ke Siwa Kya Hai - Duet 

Hamari Saanson Mei Aaj Tak Wo Hina Ki Khushbu Mehak Rahi Hai 

Jawan Hai Muhabbat, Haseen Hai Zamana 

Nigahen Mila Kar Badal Jane Wale 

Chaandni Raaten O Chaandni Raaten 

Mujhse Pehli Si Muhabbat Mere Mehboob Na Maang 

Le Ayi Phir Kahan Par Kismat Hamen Kahan Se 

Kya Yahi Tera Pyar Tha

Latt Uljhi Suljha Ja Baalam …..

There must be many many others as she has a rich repertory of about eighteen thousand songs to her credit. 

Our humble tributes to the great singer / actor.