Noor Jehan Biography: Age, Wiki, Early Life, Movies, Awards, Recognitions, Relationships

Noor Jehan Biography

Allah Rakhi Wasai was born as Noor Jehan, who is one of the best singers and actresses of all time in Pakistan. Her movies were widely acclaimed throughout British-ruled India and after partition in Pakistan.

She was therefore nicknamed Malika-e-Tarannum or “Queen of Melody” because she could sing Hindustani classical all genres. For six decades she continued her career and is now considered to be one among most prominent figures on the Indian subcontinent music scene with particular emphasis on playback singing and acting.

Quick Bio

Early Life and Background

Noor Jehan was born on 21st September, 1926 in Kasur, Punjab to a family of Punjabi Muslims. She grew up in a pretty huge family alongside seven siblings. Her immense singing abilities as a child prompted her father to seek classical music training for her.

At just nine years old, she was noticed by musician Ghulam Ahmed Chishti who started to mentor her in the beginning stages of her career. By age eleven, she was already training in Calcutta in several heritages including thumri and khayal which are core values of Hindustani classical music.

Consequently, this exposure to different types of music shaped an outstanding career path which she boasted of later on.

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Career

Noor Jehan began her career when she was still very young. She was good at both singing and acting. She used to perform when she was just six years old and even had classical training.

Her first roles in films like “Pind di Kuri” and “Heer-Sayyal” proved that she was full of talent and received a lot of positive criticism from the audience. This success at such an early age set the pace for future prominence.

After moving to Pakistan in 1947, Noor Jehan remained a stormy issue in the film industry. One of her hit movies was “Chan Wey” (1951). Other films such as “Dupatta” and “Ghalib” made sure that her name would always be associated with Pakistani cinema.

Her melodic sound became synonymous with play-back singing in Pakistani movies where most people still remember it even today. Many international awards testified to this fame beyond borders while she left behind a mark in South Asian music and cinema forever.

Filmography

Noor Jehan’s work as an actress in both Indian and Pakistani cinema is highly regarded. Some of her memorable films include:

She was known for playing powerful roles that resonated with audiences, and her playback singing brought a new dimension to her performances.

Relationships (Spouses and Children)

Noor Jehan was married twice. Her first marriage was to film director Shaukat Hussain Rizvi in 1941, which lasted until their divorce in 1953. Together, they had three children.

She later married actor Ejaz Durrani in 1959, and they were married for over a decade before divorcing in 1971. They had three children together. As a mom, Noor remained committed to her children, balancing her family responsibilities with her professional career.

Family

Noor Jehan’s family included her parents, Imdad Ali and Fateh Bibi, as well as her six children from her two marriages. One of her daughters, Zil-e-Huma, followed in her footsteps, becoming a singer.

Her grandchildren, Sonya Jehan and Sikander Rizvi, also gained fame as they are widely recognized as good performing actors in Pakistan. Noor Jehan’s family legacy continued to be intertwined with the arts, reflecting her own passion and dedication to music and film.

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout her career, Noor Jehan received numerous awards and honors, solidifying her status as a cultural icon. She was awarded Pakistan’s Pride of Performance in 1965 for her contributions to the music and film industry.

In addition, she received the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 1996 and numerous Nigar Awards for her work in Pakistani cinema. Her musical achievements include a record number of songs, with over 2,400 songs recorded for films, making her one of the most prolific playback singers in South Asian cinema.

Cause of Death

Noor Jehan faced several health issues later in life, which eventually led to her death on December 23, 2000. She died at age 74. The cause of her death was heart failure. Despite her health struggles, she remained dedicated to her art, continuing to sing and perform almost until her final days. Her legacy remains cherished in both India and Pakistan.

Death and Burial

When Noor Jehan died, she was 74 years old. After her death was confirmed and publicized, many of her fans came to her funeral, including famous people from different works of life especially from the music and movie industries.

She was buried at Gizri Graveyard in Karachi, where people who loved her and those who adored her still come to pay tribute to her. The sound of Noor Jehan’s voice and the greatness of her personality are often remembered through songs sung for her by different generations all over South Asia.

FAQs

What is Noor Jehan best known for?

Noor Jehan is best known as a pioneering playback singer and actress whose career spanned over six decades. Her powerful voice and command of classical and popular music earned her the title of “Queen of Melody.”

How many songs did Noor Jehan record in her career?

Noor Jehan recorded over 10,000 songs in various languages, including Urdu, Punjabi, and Sindhi, throughout her career. In Pakistan alone, she recorded over 2,400 songs for 1,148 films.

What awards did Noor Jehan receive during her career?

Noor Jehan was honored with many prestigious awards, including the Pride of Performance in 1965, the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 1996, and several Nigar Awards for her outstanding contributions to music and cinema.

Who were Noor Jehan’s spouses?

Noor Jehan was married twice. Her first husband was film director Shaukat Hussain Rizvi, and her second husband was actor Ejaz Durrani. She had six children from these marriages.

When and where did Noor Jehan pass away?

Noor Jehan passed away on December 23, 2000, in Karachi, Pakistan, due to heart failure. She was buried in Gizri Graveyard in Karachi.

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