Noor Jehan, the melody queen who captivated millions of music lovers in the subcontinent for over half a century, passed away in Karachi on December 23, 2000. On her death anniversary we are revisiting her rich life and legacy as a tribute.
Dilip Kumar was a starstruck fan of hers, and so was the great Lata Ji, who adored and respected her as a guru and elder sister. Talking about her fan following, Mehboob Khan, K. L. Sehgal, Naushad, Rafi and even Indira Gandhi were fans of Madam Noor Jehan.
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Willum Skeener
The remarkable journey from an ordinary girl, Allah Rakhi Wasai, to child artist, Baby Noor Jehan, and ultimately to Malika-e-Tarannum is no less than a fairy tale. No one from the subcontinent in the 20th century reached the towering heights of name and fame achieved by Noor Jehan, the nightingale of Punjab. She revolutionized the world of popular music and breathed new life into Punjabi folk songs.
Noor Jehan, born Allah Rakhi Wasai on September 21, 1926, in Kot Murad, Kasur, Punjab. She was one of eleven children of Imdad Ali and Fateh Bibi. Her early exposure to music came from her parents, who recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue singing.
Noor Jehan’s musical journey began at the tender age of six. Her father, Imdad Ali, a musician himself, recognised her potential and arranged for her to receive classical training under Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Sahab. She also learnt singing from legendary classical singer KajjaanBai. She quickly mastered the intricacies of Hindustani classical music, including thumri, dhrupad, and khyal, and by the age of nine, she was performing on stage.
Noor Jehan’s talent was recognised by theatre owner Diwan Sardari Lal, who encouraged her father to move to Calcutta. In Calcutta she was noticed by renowned classical ghazal singer and actress Mukhtar Begum, the sister of Farida Khanum and wife of Agha Jashar Kashmiri. She made her stage debut at the age of six in the play “Pind Di Kudhi, also known as Sheela,” earning the nickname “Baby Noor Jehan,” which was given to her by Kajjan Bai. In the film, she sang her first film song, “Lang Aaja Patan Jhana Da.”
After Sheela, she acted in films like Misr Ka Sitara (1936), Heer-Sayyal, and (1937). She returned to Lahore in 1938 and acted in films like Imandaar (1939), Pyam-e-Haq (1939), and Gul Bakawli (1939). Dalsukh Pancholi’s Gul Bakawli was the first film where she sang under Master Ghulam Mohammad, who groomed her to be the top singer of the subcontinent. From the film, songs such as “Shala Jawanian Mane” and “Pinjre De Wich Qaid Jawani” are still considered classics of Punjabi film music.
One of her most memorable films of this period was Yamla Jat (1940), where she was in a second lead and also sang popular songs like “Kachiyan Ve Kaliyan” and “Main Koel Waangar.”
Her first lead role came in Pancholi’s Chaudhry (1941), followed by Red Signal (1941), Umeed (1941), Susral (1941), Chandani (1942), Dheeraj (1942), and Faryad (1942).
Noor Jehan’s ascent to stardom began in earnest with her performance in “Khandan’ (1942),” where she played the lead role and sang iconic songs “Tu Kaun Si Badli Mein,” “Chalo Paniyan Bharan Ko Chalen,” “Mere Liye Jahan Mein Chain Naa Qarar Hai,” and “Maar Gayi Re Hamen Teri Najariya,” all under Master Ghulam Haider. The film’s success established her as a prominent actress and singer. She followed this with a string of hits, including “Duhai,” Nadan,” “Lal Haveli,” and “Bhaijaan.”
During Khandan, she met her husband, Shaukat Hussain Rizvi, and decided to relocate to Bombay. In Bombay, she and Rizvi collaborated in films like Naukar (1943), Dost (1944), Zeenat (1945), and Jugnu (1947) opposite Dilip Kumar.
The years leading up to the partition were a golden era for Noor Jehan. Her films Badi Maa (1945), Gaon Ki Gori (1945), Anmol Ghadi (1946), Mirza Sahiban (1947), Abida (1947), and Mirabai (1947) were among the top-grossing films of their time. Her collaboration with music directors like Naushad in ‘Anmol Ghadi’ produced some of the most memorable songs of the era.
Some of her notable songs in these films include Alam Par Alam Sitam Par Sitam and Badnaam Mohabbat Kaun Kare (Dost). Kis Tarah Bhoolega Dil Unka (Gaon Ki Gori), Aahein Na Bhari Shikwe Na Kiye (Zeenat), Aaja Meri Barbaad Mohabbat Ke Sahaare, Awaaz De Kahan Hai, Jawan Hai Mohabbat Hasin Hai Zamana (Anmol Ghadi), Ye Desh Hamara Pyara Hindustan Jahan Se Nyara (Humjoli), Aaj Ki Raat Saaz-E-Dil-E-Purdard Na Chhed, Yahan Badla Wafa Ka Bewafai Ke Siva Kya Hai (Jugnu),
Noor Jehan was not just a singer; she was a versatile artist and trailblazer who changed the way of female singing in the Hindi film industry. Her command over various genres of music, including ghazal, classical, and filmi, showcased her immense talent and versatility. As a pioneering artist, she inspired and influenced generations of singers, including greats like Lata ji.
After the partition, Noor Jehan moved to Pakistan, where she faced the challenge of rebuilding her career. She rose to the occasion and became one of the most prominent figures in Pakistani cinema. Her contributions as a playback singer are unparalleled, with thousands of songs in Urdu, Punjabi, and Sindhi languages.
In Pakistan, her first film was Chann Wey (1951), produced and directed by her with her husband, making her Pakistan’s first woman director. The film was a big success and has songs like “Tere Mukhre Da Kala Til” and “Chan Diya Toteya.” She followed it with iconic films like Dopatta (1952), Gulnar (1953), Patey Khan (1955), Lakt-e-Jigar (1956), Intezaar (1956), Nooran (1957), Choo mantar (1957), Anarkali (1958), Neend (1959), Pardaisan (1959), Koel (1959), Ghalib (1961), Baaji (1963), and many more.
It is impossible to list out the popular songs of Madam Noor Jehan in a post; we are including just a few, like “Jadon Holi Jai Lenda Mera Naam.” “Chandni Raatein” “Sanu Nehar Wale Pul Te Bulake” “Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat” “Ae Watan Ke Sajeelay Jawano” “Sayoni Mera Mahi Meray Paag Jagawan Aa Gaya” “Jo Na Mil Sake Woh Bewafa” “Sagar Roye Lehren Shor Machayein” “Gaayegi Duniya Geet Meray,”Kehndey Ne Naina,” Tere Dar Par Sanam Chaley Aaye,” “Chan Deya Toteya,” Sajna Raah Tera,” “Jis Din Se Piya Dil Le Gaye,” “Tere Mukhde Da Kaala Kaala Til,”Dil Da Jani,” Raat Phaili Hai Tere Sir Ki Taraf,” “Ki Dum Da Bharosa Yaar,” and many more.
In 1941, Noor Jehan’ married filmmaker Shaukat Hussain Rizvi. The couple had three children: Akbar Hussain Rizvi, Asghar Hussain Rizvi, and Mina Hasan. Noor Jehan and Shaukat Rizvi’s marriage faced several challenges, including professional pressures and personal differences. In 1947, following the partition of India, the couple moved to Pakistan, marking the end of Noor Jehan’s career in India. Their marriage eventually ended in divorce in 1953.
In 1959, Noor Jehan married actor Ejaz Durrani. This marriage also faced its share of difficulties, and the couple divorced in 1971. Noor Jehan had three daughters with Ejaz Durrani: Zil-e-Huma, Nazia Ejaz Khan, and Hina Durrani. Despite the challenges in her personal life, Noor Jehan remained dedicated to her children and maintained a close bond with them.
Noor Jehan was a devoted mother to her six children. Her daughter Zil-e-Huma followed in her footsteps and became a singer, while her other children pursued various careers. Noor Jehan’s grandchildren, including Sonya Jehan and Sikander Rizvi, have also made their mark in the entertainment industry.
On 23 December 2000 (night of 27 Ramadan), Jehan died as a result of heart failure. Her funeral was held at Jamia Masjid Sultan, Karachi, and was attended by over 400,000 people.
Noor Jehan’s songs are not just melodies; they are historical artefacts that carry the essence of an era that was on the cusp of monumental change. Her music remains a bridge between the past and the present, echoing the shared cultural heritage of India and Pakistan. Her legacy continues to live on, as her songs are passed down through generations, immortalising the Queen of Melody’s contribution to the world of music.
Noor Jehan’s contributions to music and cinema are immense. She is often credited with popularising the ghazal genre and revolutionising playback singing in films. Her unique voice and ability to convey deep emotions through her songs continue to influence artists today. Noor Jehan’s impact on the music industry in South Asia is unparalleled, and her songs remain popular across generations.
