Pakistani stars pay tribute to Noor Jehan on centenary

Pakistani showbiz stars have come together on social media to honour legendary singer and actress Madam Noor Jehan on what would have been her 100th birthday, celebrating the enduring legacy of an icon whose voice and artistry continue to resonate across generations.

Taking to their respective social media accounts, several celebrities shared Instagram Stories featuring archival footage and photographs of the legendary performer, including nostalgic clips capturing Noor Jehan’s infectious smile.

Prominent names including Sajal Aly, Hajra Yamin and Fazila Qazi joined the wave of tributes, remembering the timeless icon whose extraordinary career left an indelible mark on South Asian cinema, music and culture.

Born in 1926, Noor Jehan began her career as a successful child performer and actress before Partition and went on to establish herself as one of the most influential voices in the region.

She also made history as a filmmaker, becoming Pakistan’s first female film director with Chanwey in 1951, a landmark achievement that further cemented her place in the country’s entertainment history.

Although she eventually devoted much of her career to playback singing, Noor Jehan’s influence extended far beyond music. Her distinctive voice, commanding stage presence and artistic versatility helped define an important era of Pakistani entertainment.

Her patriotic songs, particularly the emotionally charged milli naghmay she recorded during the 1960s, remain deeply woven into Pakistan’s cultural memory and continue to be revisited on national occasions.

In recognition of her remarkable contribution to the arts, Noor Jehan received several of Pakistan’s highest civilian honours, including the Pride of Performance, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and Sitara-e-Imtiaz.

On her centenary, actors, singers, musicians, journalists and other public figures have been sharing archival photographs, classic performances and personal messages to commemorate her extraordinary journey.

More than three decades after her passing, Noor Jehan’s artistic imprint remains unmistakable, with her music continuing to influence new generations of performers and audiences across Pakistan and beyond.

The outpouring of tributes on her 100th birthday serves as another reminder of the lasting cultural footprint of the woman affectionately remembered as Malika-e-Tarannum, the Queen of Melody.