Daily Times

LAHORE: Today marks what would have been 92^nd birthday of the late melody queen who ruled the hearts of millions of people in Indo-Pak subcontinent Noor Jehan and the search engine giant is remembering her with a beautiful doodle on its homepage.

Google pays the tribute to Madam Noor Jehan in the following beautiful words:

The sad longing in the plaintive strains of “Awaaz De, Kahaan Hai.” The dreamy romance of the sweetly sung “Chandni Ratein.” The playful affection in the lilting melody of “Ve Mundiyan Sialkotiyan.” These are just a few of the thousands of songs sung by the legendary Noor Jehan, known as Malika-E-Taranum (Queen of Melody) in the world of Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindustani music.

Born Allah Rakhi Wasai to a family of local musicians in Kasur, Punjab, she began her singing career when she was just five years old. Success at rural taka theater performances encouraged the family to move to Calcutta and the bigger stage of maidantheater. Theatrical recognition soon led Jehan to the silver screen.

After Partition, Noor Jehan moved to newly independent Pakistan, but her voice continued to endear her to millions across the entire subcontinent. Her renditions of patriotic songs gave courage to many a Pakistani soldier, and her visit to India in 1982 was met with overwhelming love and enthusiasm.

Madam, as she was popularly addressed, was best known for her voice. But she was also an accomplished actress, and she became Pakistan’s first female director when she codirected Chan Wey in 1951. For her contributions to the arts, the Government of Pakistan awarded her the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) and the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz(Medal of Excellence).

Today’s Doodle captures Jehan’s unique singing stance — her chin tilted up, her hand flung out, a choker at her throat, and a flower in her hair. Happy Birthday, Madam!