Lahore (Web Desk): The 24th death anniversary of 'Malika-e-Tarannum', (the Queen of Melody), Noor Jehan, was observed on Monday, evoking memories of a voice that once captivated the hearts of millions and still echoes through the corridors of time.
Born Allah Wasai in 1926 in Kasur, in a family steeped in musical tradition, she began her journey into the world of song at the tender age of nine, enchanting listeners in Calcutta with her childlike purity and unmatched vocal grace.
What followed was a career that would see her ascend to the zenith of South Asian music, with her voice becoming synonymous with the very soul of cinema and song in the subcontinent.
Her name, Noor Jehan, is etched in golden letters in the annals of film and music history.
For more than 35 years, she reigned supreme, her melodies weaving through the cultural fabric of the time, her songs touching every corner of the land.
A maestro of numerous languages, she recorded an awe-inspiring 10,000 songs in Urdu, Punjabi, and Sindhi, each note an embodiment of emotion, every lyric a journey into the depths of the human heart.
Her voice carried the passion of a nation, particularly during the tumultuous days of the 1965 war, when her patriotic songs were anthems of hope and courage, igniting the spirit of resilience in both the military and the people of Pakistan.
Noor Jehan's artistry transcended the boundaries of music. She was as much a luminary in film as she was in song, her performances leaving an indelible mark on the screen.
In 1957, the President’s Award was bestowed upon her in recognition of her dual genius in both acting and singing.
This was merely one of the many honours she would receive over the course of her illustrious career, including the Special Nigar Award, Pride of Performance, Sitara-e-Imtiaz, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from PTV.
Noor Jahan's legacy also garnered international recognition, culminating in the Millennium Award, a testament to her unparalleled contribution to the arts.
Her departure from this world on December 23, 2000, due to cardiac arrest, left a void that can never truly be filled.
As her earthly remains were laid to rest in Karachi, the world mourned the loss of a legend, but the echo of Noor Jahan's voice continues to linger, a timeless reminder of the enduring power of song, the force of music, and the soul of a nation.