Remembering Nayyara Noor who had a haunting, tuneful and a sweet voice

Author: Dr. Amjad Parvez

A citizen is flabbergasted when he has to endure the news of political turmoil in the country every morning. In my case escape from this mental mayhem is found by listening to sot music by Melody Makers of the subcontinent. Sweet cultured voices like that of Nayyara Noor provided a relief from the torture of watching political debates.

Getting up on a Sunday morning added to my misery when I read the news of Nayyara Noor’s demise. Immediately I telephoned Melody Maker Arshad Mahmud in Karachi and condoled as he composed many exquisite melodies for Nayyara. He was kind enough to provide me with Sheheryar Zaidi Nayyara Noor’s husband. I have known Nayyara Noor since the time she started singing for Pakistan Television. We sang our first song together for Pakistan Television Corporation’s music programme ‘Sangat’ hosted by me and produced by talented music producer Rafiq Ahmad Warraich. It was the year 1973. The lyrics of the song were “Dil Bhi Hai Tera Meherban Jaan Bhi Hei Teri Jan-e-Jaan” penned by Adeem Hashmi and its music was given by Rehman Verma. Then we were paired together by another talented music producer Shehnshah Nawab for Allama Iqbal’s poem “Bahazoor Risalat-e-Ma’ab” in 1983 in the music of Khalil Ahmad.

Nayyara had a very strong career in Lollywood. She sang songs composed by M. Ashraf Nisar Bazni and Robin Ghosh. When she moved to Karachi because of her husband Sheheryar Zaidi’s vocation she continued with her private Mehfils. She used to do Riaz with Shabeer Hussain who was also one of my Ustad. He had specially moved to Karachi or giving support to Nayyara. A few years ago when she stopped singing I called her a couple of times trying to convince her to return to media for singing but she evaded answering to my request. Now I understand that she must have started her treatment for cancer. Nayyara Noor’s voice was a special gift of God who provided a cultured and educated touch to music. She used to sing with her group of musicians; Javed Iqbal on Violin Shabir Hussain on harmonium and Sajid on Tabla. Music lovers shall miss her departure but shall find solace through her CDs and YouTube material. May her soul rest in peace. Ameen!

The writer is the recipient of the prestigious Pride of Performance award. He can be reached at doc_amjad@hotmail.com

Share
Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

  • Fashion

‘Collectibles’ by Sonraj hosts star-studded event to celebrate OMEGA’s legacy of precision and luxury

Karachi, 23 December 2024 – Sonraj hosted a star-studded event to celebrate legacy of OMEGA,…

8 hours ago
  • Op-Ed

Pakistan’s health system faces mounting challenges

Pakistan’s healthcare system is grappling with persistent challenges, leaving millions of citizens without adequate access…

10 hours ago
  • Top Stories

ICJ weighs States’ responsibility for climate change, ‘future of our planet’

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) held historic hearings from December 2 to 13 addressing…

10 hours ago
  • Pakistan

New undersea cable set to ‘enhance’ Pakistan’s internet speed

A new undersea internet cable is being installed, promising to significantly enhance internet speed and…

11 hours ago
  • Editorial

Becoming Footnotes

Until a few months ago, we were worried about being conveniently left out of a…

13 hours ago
  • Cartoons

TODAY’S CARTOON

13 hours ago