Daily Times

Pakistani ‘pop queen’ Nazia Hassan was remembered throughout the country as well as by music-lovers around the world on the occasion of her 18th death anniversary on Monday.

The pop star, aged 35, had passed away on August 13, 2000 following a prolonged battle with lung cancer.

The game-changing star, who was born on April 3, 1965, sprung to popularity through Pakistan Television’s (PTV) program ‘Sung Sung’. Following her debut, Nazia Hassan became one of Pakistan’s most renowned singers. She was particularly popular in 70’s and 80’s.

Her award-winning single ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’, sung at the age of 13 for Indian movie Qurbaani , made her a beloved icon both at home and in South Asia. She bagged a Filmfare Award at the age of 15 and became the first Pakistani to win the prestigious accolade. Nazia Hassan remains the youngest recipient of Filmfare Award till date.

Along with her brother Zohaib, Nazia went on to sell over 60 million records worldwide. The duo released a popular song called ‘Disco Deewane’ in 1981.

The siblings also worked together on several albums including ‘Boom Boom’, ‘Young Tarang’ and ‘Hotline’ which was released in 1987.

Nazia’s last album ‘Camera Camera’ which was released in 1992 was part of a campaign against drug use.

Apart from singing, Nazia Hassan also participated in philanthropic activities. The singer was appointed by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) as its cultural ambassador in 1991.

Published in Daily Times, August 14^th 2018.