Nazia Hassan was a breath of fresh air on the music scene of Pakistan. She set a new trend which revolutionized the music industry of Indo Pak. She shot to fame with her very first song “Aap Jaisa Koi” for an Indian movie.
The song literally took over the entire sub-continent and earned her the first real pop singer title. She started her career at the age of 10. She was born on 3rd April, 1965.
Though a teenager, she had a certain grace and sang that provocative song without sounding vulgar. Her first album “Disco Deewane” featuring her brother Zoheb Hassan sold like hot cakes. The music of the album was composed by Biddu a UK based Indian composer.
The same team produced “Boom Boom” the second album which made her the undisputed queen of the pop scene. Young Tarang and Hotline were two more record breaking albums produced by the same team. Nazia’s last album Camera. Camera did not do well on the charts. Nazia also did some playback singing for Indian movies.
In Pakistan, Nazia hosted music shows; Music 89 hosted by the brother sister duo provided a platform for bands such as Jupiters and Vital Signs who later became a big name both locally and internationally. Music was just a hobby for Nazia, she spent the money earned from singing in helping the under privileged.
She acquired a law degree from a University in UK and took a job in the United Nation’s Security Council. Nazia worked for a number of charities; in India she was associated with the “Inner Wheel Club”. “BAN” a charitable organization fighting against drugs was established by the siblings.
She also worked alongside her mother and other social workers. She not only established charities but also lectured in schools emphasizing the need for social awareness. She was called “Queen of Pop” in South Asia.
Nazia got married in 1995 to Mirza Ishtiaq Baig. Unfortunately the marriage did not work out well and the couple divorced in August 2000. Nazia was earlier diagnosed lung cancer which eventually took her life in 2000.
Nazia had class, beauty and a heart of gold; things which etch a person’s name in the minds and hearts of many. Nazia was posthumously awarded Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan.
