Remembering Munawar Sultana, voice behind early Pakistani film classics

Munawar Sultana, one of the pioneering voices of Pakistan’s early radio and film music industry, is being remembered as it marks around three decades since her passing in Lahore on 20 May 1995. 

Her soulful singing and contribution to the first generation of Pakistani film songs remain an important part of the country’s cultural history.

Born in Ludhiana in British India in 1925, Munawar Sultana began her career in the mid-1940s as a radio singer. She received her early musical training from composer Abdul Haq Shami and later refined her skills under the guidance of legendary music director Master Ghulam Haider. 

She also worked closely with renowned composer Ghulam Ahmed Chishti, who, along with Sultana, is credited with helping revive the Lahore-based film music industry in its early years.

Her work gained recognition in both India and Pakistan. She made her debut as a playback singer in the Indian film Dhamki (1945) before becoming part of Pakistan’s emerging film industry. 

Her songs in Teri Yaad (1948), considered one of the earliest films of Lollywood, played a significant role in establishing her reputation as a leading playback singer of her time.

Munawar Sultana went on to record around 181 songs for 54 films, performing in both Urdu and Punjabi cinema. She became known for delivering some of the first popular film hits in Pakistan’s early cinematic history, including memorable songs such as Mainu Rab Di Soun Tere Naal Pyaar Ho Gya, Wastae Rab Da Tu Jaanvien Way Kabootra, and the patriotic classic Ae Quaid-e-Azam, Tera Ehsan Hai, Ehsan from the film Bedari.

Beyond film music, she also recorded numerous semi-classical and folk-inspired songs for Radio Pakistan, further strengthening her position as a versatile and respected voice of her era. 

Her collaboration with prominent music directors contributed significantly to shaping the early identity of Pakistani film music.

After her marriage to Ayub Romani, who served as a station director at Radio Pakistan in Lahore, Munawar Sultana gradually withdrew from professional singing. She later devoted her life to domestic responsibilities and social welfare activities.

Her legacy continues through her widely celebrated songs, which include Dil Ko Laga Ke Kahin Thokar Na Khana, Badal Nu Hath Lawan, O Dilla Kachya, and Sada Chirriyan Da Chamba We Babul Asan Udd Jana, among many others that remain popular to this day.

Munawar Sultana passed away on 20 May 1995 in Lahore, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that continues to influence and inspire generations of artists in Pakistan’s film and music industry.