Indian playback singer Shilpa Rao has paid a rich tribute to Pakistani singer Madam Noor Jehan on what would have been her 100th birthday.
Rao shared a video on Instagram in which she sings Noor Jehan’s song ‘Niyat-e-Shauq’, also titled ‘Neeyat-e-Shauq Bhar Na Jaaye Kahin’.
Rao, known for multiple smash hits including ‘Besharam Rang’, wrote in her caption, “It was Noor Jahan Ji’s birthday on 21st September. This year marks the 100th year of her birthday. Sending her lots and lots of love.”
Her tribute followed comments from Noor Jehan’s grandson, actor and comedian Ahmed Ali Butt. He said he felt the singer’s 100th birthday did not receive enough recognition.
Noor Jehan was born Allah Wasai in Kasur, Punjab, then part of British India. She began as a child performer known as Baby Noor Jehan, and the Pakistani title Malika-e-Tarannum, meaning Queen of Melody, followed her illustrious career as a playback singer.
She sang professionally for more than six decades, recording about 10,000 songs in Urdu, Punjabi and Sindhi, and she also worked as an actress. The 1946 film ‘Anmol Ghadi’ made her a star, and its songs included ‘Mere Bachpan Ke Saathi’ and ‘Jawan Hai Muhabbat’.
Among her best-known songs is ‘Sanu Nehar Wale Pul Te Bulaa Ke’ from the 1973 Punjabi film ‘Dukh Sajna De’. Fans also remember ‘Mujh Se Pehli Si Muhabbat’ as one of her most popular recordings.
During the 1965 war between Pakistan and India, she sang patriotic songs including ‘Ae Watan Ke Sajeele Jawano’ and ‘Ae Puttar Hattan Te Nahi Wikde’. Both remain popular on national occasions in Pakistan.
Her honours included the Pride of Performance and the Sitara-e-Imtiaz. She died in Karachi on 23 December 2000 at the age of 74.
