Naseem Begum, one of the most celebrated film playback singers of Pakistan, was honored by her fans and admirers on her birth anniversary on Saturday, February 24, 2024. She was born in Amritsar, India, in 1936, and moved to Pakistan after the partition of 1947.
Naseem Begum had a passion for music from a young age, and received training from the renowned classical singer, Mukhtar Begum. She made her debut as a playback singer in 1958, and soon became a household name for her soulful and sorrowful songs in films. She sang more than 500 songs in various languages, such as Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, and Pashto.
She won the prestigious Nigar Awards for best female playback singer for four consecutive years, from 1960 to 1964. Some of her most popular songs include “Hum Bhol Gaye Har Baat”, “Aye Dil Kisii Kii Yaad Mein”, “Ek Mera Chand Ek Mera Tara”, and “Badalon Mei Chup Raha Hai”. She also sang memorable duets with the legendary playback singer, Ahmed Rushdi, such as “Pyaar Na Ho Jab”, “Bus Hum To Ho Gaye Hain Khadim Janab Ke”, and “Main Ne Kaha Aiye Aa Bhi Jaiye”.
Naseem Begum was also the original singer of the iconic patriotic song, “Aye Rahe Haq Ke Shaheedo”, which was composed by Rashid Attre and written by Musheer Kazmi. The song pays tribute to the martyrs of the Pakistan Movement, and is considered one of the most inspiring and emotional songs in the history of Pakistan.
Naseem Begum passed away on September 29, 1971, in Lahore, at the age of 35. She left behind a legacy of music that is still cherished and admired by millions of people. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female playback singers of Pakistan, and a symbol of the golden era of Pakistani cinema.