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Noor Jahan’s artistic journey led her from Allah Wasai to Baby Noor Jehan, then to Madam Noor Jehan, and finally to the title of Malika-e-Tarannum (Queen of Melody) in a country brimming with female singers. She was a feisty lady who moved through life at breakneck speed, leading a dazzling existence full with hot entanglements. Her journey began long before the Partition. She would have continued to sing in India if she had not crossed over in 1947. Noor Jehan was the first female star in Indian cinema, and she helped to popularize playback singing. She impacted a generation of vocalists, including Lata Mangeshkar, before initiating music in Pakistan and encouraging future generations.
She was born on September 21, 1926, in Kasur, the hometown of Sufi poet Baba Bulleh Shah. Malika-e Taranum was a queen of substance, famed for her silk saris, brilliant and dazzling eye make-up, hairdos, and gleaming jewellery. She had a highly admired demeanour; she could sing in a multitude of languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Sindhi, and Punjabi, and she had recorded more than 10,000 songs over her singing career. She was an expert at displaying charm and had a captivating appearance. Her persona was supported by an exceptionally full-throated but soft, velvety voice that touched the high notes with felicity while retaining in control of the sur with strength. She was as pure and innocent as a...