One of Pakistan’s greatest singers, renowned as the Nightingale of Pakistan, Nayyara Noor, died after a brief illness in Karachi on August 22, at the age of 71.
Nayyara Noor was born in November 1950 in Guwahati, Assam in India, where she spent her early childhood before her family relocated to Karachi. She went to the prestigious National College of Arts in Lahore, where her singing talent was discovered, and in the late 60s she had made her debut on state television.
In a versatile career full of iconic songs, she will forever be remembered for her renditions of work by Pakistan’s famous revolutionary poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz – music released in a 1976 compilation called Nayyara Sings Faiz.
She also sang some of Pakistan’s most memorable patriotic tunes, including Sohni Dharti, Watan Ki Mitti Gawah Rehna as well as countless songs for Pakistani films and dramas. In a career spanning over four decades, Noor won plenty of accolades including the Nigar Award in 1973 for best playback singer (Gharana). She was also given the Pride of Performance award by the government in 2006 for her contributions to the arts.
She eventually retired from singing in 2012. She was married to actor Shehryar Zaidi and was the mother of Naad-e-Ali Zaidi and Jaffer Zaidi, both talented musicians and singers in their own right.
Saddened by the passing away of nayyara noor. May Allah grant her a place in jannat.
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) August 21, 2022
I am deeply sad today on ending of a long association and friendship of almost sixty years with Nayyara Noor. I am trying to forget this day. Remember the time we spent together to achieve what we did and the joy of that journey. She added so much value to my ordinary work.
— Arshad Mahmud (@arshadm03) August 21, 2022
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of the legendary Nayyara Noor sahiba. So many memorable songs and the most melodious voice… may Allah bless her soul pic.twitter.com/E04A8gyDiC— Humayun Saeed (@iamhumayunsaeed) August 21, 2022
Shocked & saddened to hear of her passing. Her voice was unique – crystal clear with a pathos that was unmatched. Her music has always been such an integral part of our lives for so many of us. https://t.co/SGhahpiiVR
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) August 21, 2022
Love, respect and prayers to our Nightingale, Nayyara Noor Ji, your voice will forever live in our hearts and soul. It’s hard to process such a loss and put it into right words.
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعون
— Fahad Mustafa (@fahadmustafa26) August 21, 2022
A wonderful singer and human being, Nayyara Noor ji is no more. She leaves behind the legacy of her beautiful music. Inna-lillahe-waina-ilahe-rajeoon #NayyaraNoor pic.twitter.com/Qz6LK9TkUw
— Shafqat Amanat Ali (@ShafqatAmanatA) August 21, 2022
I’m heart broken.A sad day for Pakistan we’ve lost our nightingale Nayyara Noor forever. RIP my angel
— Samina Peerzada (@SaminaSays) August 20, 2022
