Mortal artist, immortal melodies

Mortal artist, immortal melodies
MSM Desai

DECEMBER 25: The Nightingale of India admired her, maestros were inspired by her, her co-stars were her biggest fans, while her fans were her best friends. No wonder then that Noorjehan, continues to pull at the heart-strings with her unforgettable songs. Her timeless voice has made her a legend, who will always have a special place in the Indian film industry.

Lata Mangeshkar, who played a child artiste with Noorjehan in the film Badi Maa (1945), chose to sing Mere Liye Jahan Mein Chain Hai Na Karar Hai for her first audition, a song Noorjehan immortalised in her film Dulsukh. In fact, it was at Mangeshkar's behest that Noorjehan came to India for a live show in Mumbai after she had shifted to Pakistan with her husband, Shaukat Hussain, after the Partition.

She starred alongside Dilip Kumar in Jugnu in 1947, shooting him to instant stardom. By that time, she was already 15 years old in an industry that she ruled. She could have starred with Dilip Kumar in more films but she became a Pakistani citizen.

Legendary composer Naushad used her in Mehboob Khan's Anmol Ghadi (1946) where she starred with two other singing stars -- Suraiya and Surendra. In fact, Noorjehan starred opposite Surendra in Lal Haveli (1944). Noorjehan began her career with Patit Pavan (1932) opposite P Jairaj, after working in a Punjabi film in Lahore. She starred with the heroes of her day like Motilal in Sasural (1941) and Dost (1944). Music director Sajjad Hussain gave Noorjehan the opportunity to sing in the the hit-films Badnam Mohabbat Kaun Kare and Koi Prem Ka De Ke Sandesa.

Noorjehan has worked more in Indian films between 1932 and 1947 than she has in Pakistan. She developed in Bombay film industry and emjoyed top billing as singing star with Kurshid, Suraiya, Gohar and Amirbai Karnataki. She starred in 50 films in a career spanning 15 years, with a last appearance in Mirza Sahiba opposite Trilok Kapoor.

Includes among her music directors are well-known names like Khemchandra Pradash, Ghulam Hyder, Sajjad Hussain, Gyan Dutt, Shyam Sundar and Ustad Zande Khan. One of her films, Duhai, was put to music by famed flautist Pannalal Ghosh.

It was in Bombay that she gained a reputation of being a great singer. Who wouldn't remember memorable melodies like Aaja Meri Barbad, Jawan Hai Mohabbat, Kya Mil Gaya Bhagvan Mere Dil Dukhake,Mere Bachapan Ke Saathi and Awaj De Kahan Hai from Anmol Ghadi. Under the baton of Naushad, Noorjehan sang romantic songs and sad songs with equal ease with an inimitable style which was unique from the other singers of that era. Her other hits include Baithi Hoon Teri Yaad Kar ,Kis Tarah Bhoolenge Dil from Village Girl (1945), Diya Jla Kar Aap and Aa Intezar Hai Tera from Badi Maa, Kiya Yhi Tere Pyar and Aa Ja Tuzhe Afsana (Mirza Ghalib), Nacho Sitaro, Ajare Nindiya, Andhiyan Gum Ki Yun Chali and Babula Mat Ro Yahan from Zeenat, Badnam Mohabbat Kaun Kare, Koi Prem Ka De Ke Sandesa from Dost and ghazal Sawariyan Tohe Koi from Dupatta. After migrating to Pakistan shedirected a Punjabi film, Chanway. She was also recepient of Pakistan's highest award, Mallika-e-Tarannum, as Melody Queen in 1970.