25 years on, Nazia Hassan’s music still rules hearts

It has been 25 years since Pakistan’s beloved pop sensation, Nazia Hassan, bid farewell to her fans.

Known for her melodious voice and trendsetting music, she rose to stardom at a very young age and remains an unforgettable icon in South Asian pop culture.

Born on April 3, 1965, in Karachi, Nazia Hassan made history when, at the age of just 15, she became an international star with the release of her debut song Aap Jaisa Koi for the Qurbani film in 1980.

The track was an instant hit and earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer, making her the first Pakistani to win the prestigious honour.

Nazia, alongside her brother Zoheb Hassan, released a series of successful albums that shaped the modern Pakistani pop music scene.

Their debut album Disco Deewane became a record-breaking sensation, selling millions of copies in more than a dozen countries, followed by hits like Boom Boom, Young Tarang, and Hotline, which cemented her status as the “Queen of Pop” in Pakistan.

Nazia’s music transcended borders, earning her a massive fan base across the world. By the time she stepped away from the music industry, her records had sold an estimated 6.5 million cassettes worldwide, a remarkable feat for a South Asian artist of her era.

Tragically, she passed away on August 13, 2000, in London at the age of 35 after battling cancer.

However, her songs continue to be played on the radio and television, while new generations discover her timeless hits through digital platforms. She remains an irreplaceable figure in Pakistan’s music history. Her legacy lives on.