Malika Pukhraj

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Malika Pukhraj (Urdu: ملكہ پکھراج ) (born 1912 - 2004) was a highly popular singer of Pakistan. Malika Pukhraj who was coached by Ustad Allah Buksh (father of Bare Ghulam Ali Khan) joined Maharaja Hari Singh’s court when she was only 8. Over the next 8 decades she captivated her audience with her command over the singing genres of Thumri, Ghazal, Bhajan and folk Pahari Geet.

She was generally called as "Malika" meaning "The Queen." Malika Pukraj is extremely popular for her song 'Abhi To Me Jawan Hoo' which is enjoyed by millions not only in Pakistan but also in India.

Malika Pukhraj received the Presidential Pride of Performance Award, Pakistan. In mid 80's she was also awarded with the legend of Voice award from All India Radio. She was married to Syed Shabbir Hussain Shah and had 6 children. Tahira Syed, one of Malika Pukhraj’s two daughters, emerged as a well-known singer in her own right. Her other daughter, Tasneem, is married to famous lawyer and senator S.M. Zafar. Malika Pukhraj also recorded her memoirs in the novel Song Sung True. Malika Pukhraj, who was born in Jammu area of Kashmir, died in Lahore. Her funeral was held in the house of her eldest son Tauqeer and his wife Shahnaaz who live in Model Town, Lahore.