Naseem Begum

Naseem Begum (1936–1971) was a popular, and well known Pakistani playback singer. She rose to prominence towards the end of the 1950s, and by 1964 had managed to win the prestigious Nigar award on five separate occasions. Despite originally being billed as a 'second Noor Jehan', Naseem quickly managed to carve out her own successful niche in the music industry.

She had the calibre to sing semi classical compositions, which indeed is a difficult task.

Early life

Naseem Begum was born in the city of Amritsar, British India, in 1936. She acquired her musical training from the classical singer Mukhtar Begum, the elder sister of the renowned ghazal vocalist Farida Khanum. Her first film, as a playback singer, was Guddi Gudda in 1956. The composer Sheriyar was greatly impressed by her vocal range, and gave her the opportunity to perform in his film Begunah. Naseem immediately tasted success with her song Nainon mein jal bhar aayey, which became one of the most popular tracks of the fifties. She gained popularity after singing memorable duets with famous playback singer Ahmed Rushdi.

Some remarkable Urdu films for which Naseem Begum sung excellent and heart-throbbing songs are Sham dhalay, Saheli, Shaheed, Aulaad, Baji, Ik tera sahara, Haveli, Farangi, Payal ki jhankaar, Zarqa, and Pardes. In addition to these she also sung for many Punjabi films, some of which are Kartar Singh, Tees Maar Khan, Jeedar, Mukhra chann warga and Genter man. Some big musical films on her credit are Lutera, Koun kisi ka, Kousar, Chann puttar, Mera weer, Chann weer, Langotiya, Yeh raste hain pyar ke.

Patriotic songs

She has also sung many patriotic songs which stir the soul of listeners. Ae rah-e-haq kay shaheedo wafa ki tasveero, Tumhain watan ki hawain salaam karti hain, is a song from film Madr-e-watan (1966), lyrics by Saif-ud-din Saif and music composed by Saleem Iqbal.

List of some popular songs

• Us bewafa ka shehr hay aur hum hain dosto, Ashk-e-rawaan ki nehar hay aur hum hain dosto
• So bar chaman mehka so bar bahaar aaee, Dunya ki wohi ronaq dil ki wohi tanhaee
• Mera bichhra balum ghar aa gaya ghar aa gaya, Meri payal bajay chhanan chhanan chahann
• Chanda toray chandani main jiya jala jaey ray
• Habibi hayya hayya habibi hayya hayya
• Hum bhool gaye har baat magar tera pyar nahin bhoole

Death

Her fans were greatly shocked to hear the news of her sudden demise on 29 September 1971. She was admitted in the hospital, as she was expecting, and was about to give birth to a new life but instead due to pregnancy related complications she departed.