ISLAMABAD, September 22, 2026 — Legendary Pakistani singer and actress Noor Jehan was remembered on Monday on the 100th anniversary of her birth. Known as the “Melody Queen” and Malika-e-Tarannum, she remains one of the most influential voices in South Asian music.
Noor Jehan’s Early Life and Career
Noor Jehan was born on September 21, 1926, in Kasur. She began performing at a very young age and received training in classical music before entering the film industry.
As a child, she performed on stage with her sisters and later developed a career in both acting and singing. Her early musical training included instruction in Hindustani classical traditions such as thumri, dhrupad and khyal.
From Actress to Legendary Playback Singer
Noor Jehan established herself as both an actress and singer during a career spanning British Indian and Pakistani cinema.
Among her notable films were Khandaan, Chan Wey, Dopatta, Mirza Ghalib, Qaidi and Baaji. She also directed Chan Wey in 1951, becoming the first female film director in Pakistan, according to the report.
After Partition, she moved to Pakistan and became one of the country’s most prominent film and playback singers.
Thousands of Songs Across Several Languages
Throughout her career, Noor Jehan recorded approximately 10,000 songs in different languages, including Urdu, Punjabi and Sindhi. She also became known for her ghazal singing and contributions to several other musical genres.
She is reported to have recorded around 2,422 songs for 1,148 Pakistani films during a career that lasted more than five decades.
Honoured With Major National Awards
Noor Jehan received numerous honours during her lifetime, including the Pride of Performance, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and Sitara-e-Imtiaz.
She also received Lifetime Achievement Awards and was widely recognised for her contribution to music and cinema in Pakistan and across South Asia.
Noor Jehan’s Lasting Legacy
Noor Jehan died on December 23, 2000, following heart failure and was laid to rest in Karachi.
Decades after her death, her recordings continue to be remembered by audiences, while her contribution to Pakistani music and cinema remains an important part of the country’s cultural history.
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