Noor Jehan

by Craig Harris
Noor Jehan is one of the most influential singers in the eastern world. Often compared to Lata Mangeshkar, Jehan has successfully balanced movie soundtracks with non-film recordings and performances. While her film credits include such hit movies as Khandaan, directed in 1942 by her husband Shaukit Hussain, Nadaan, Bari Maa, Dahai, and her most successful film, Anmol Ghari, in 1946, Jehans hit records include Sayonee Mera Mahi and Sannu Neher Waalay Pul Te Bula Kay. Little is known of Jehans earliest life. She was born in or around the town of Kasur in Punjab (pre-partician British India) anywhere from 1922 to 1929 and her birthday is either September 21 or 23. Making her film debut in Indian films of the 1930s, Jehan refined her talents under the coaching of Ustad Ghulam Mohammed Khan. Moving to Pakistan in the early 50s, she scored with films such as Dupatta, Qaida, Intezaar, Anarkali, and Koel. In addition to the many films in which she appeared, Jehan supplied vocals that were dubbed onto numerous films between 1947 and 1980.