Shilpa Rao Marks Noor Jehan’s 100th Birth Anniversary
A century after Noor Jehan’s birth, her music continues to inspire singers across South Asia. Indian vocalist Shilpa Rao joined the tributes by sharing her own rendition of one of the legendary singer’s songs on social media.
Rao chose Niyat-e-Shauq Bhar Na Jaaye Kahin for the tribute, singing a portion of the classic in her own voice. She also marked September 21, Noor Jehan’s birth date, while remembering the impact she left on music.
Noor Jehan’s career began long before she became known as Malika-e-Tarannum. Born Allah Wasai in Kasur in 1926, she entered the performing arts as a child and gradually built a career that crossed both cinema and music.
Her early success came in pre-Partition India, where she appeared in films including Khandan and Anmol Ghadi. Following the creation of Pakistan, she established herself as one of the country’s most prominent playback singers.
Noor Jehan’s influence did not end with her passing. Her songs continue to be revisited by musicians, featured in cultural celebrations and remembered by audiences across generations.
Her repertoire covered everything from film songs and romantic music to patriotic recordings, giving her a unique place in Pakistan’s cultural history. The country recognised her contributions with honours including the Pride of Performance and Sitara-e-Imtiaz. Noor Jehan died in Karachi in 2000, aged 74.
A century after Noor Jehan’s birth, her music continues to inspire singers across South Asia.
A century after Noor Jehan’s birth, her music continues to inspire singers across South Asia. Indian vocalist Shilpa Rao joined the tributes by sharing her own rendition of one of the legendary singer’s songs on social media.
Rao chose Niyat-e-Shauq Bhar Na Jaaye Kahin for the tribute, singing a portion of the classic in her own voice. She also marked September 21, Noor Jehan’s birth date, while remembering the impact she left on music.
Noor Jehan’s career began long before she became known as Malika-e-Tarannum. Born Allah Wasai in Kasur in 1926, she entered the performing arts as a child and gradually built a career that crossed both cinema and music.
Her early success came in pre-Partition India, where she appeared in films including Khandan and Anmol Ghadi. Following the creation of Pakistan, she established herself as one of the country’s most prominent playback singers.
Noor Jehan’s influence did not end with her passing. Her songs continue to be revisited by musicians, featured in cultural celebrations and remembered by audiences across generations.
Her repertoire covered everything from film songs and romantic music to patriotic recordings, giving her a unique place in Pakistan’s cultural history. The country recognised her contributions with honours including the Pride of Performance and Sitara-e-Imtiaz. Noor Jehan died in Karachi in 2000, aged 74.
