Remembering Nazia Hassan

ISLAMABAD: Today (August 13) marks the 23rd death anniversary of Nazia Hassan, a beloved and iconic figure in Pakistan’s pop music history, who passed away at the age of 35 after a prolonged battle with lung cancer.

Born on April 3, 1965, Nazia Hassan, often referred to as the “Queen of Pop,” began her artistic journey at a young age, making her debut as a child artist at 10 years old. Her rise to fame was propelled by her participation in the popular Pakistan Television program Sung Sung.

Nazia Hassan’s singing career began with the hit song “Aap Jaisa Koi” from the 1980 Indian film “Qurbani.” Her debut album, “Disco Deewane,” released in 1981, achieved international acclaim by charting in 14 countries, making it one of the best-selling Asian pop records of its time.

Recognized and adored across South and Southeast Asia, Nazia Hassan, along with her brother Zoheb Hassan, achieved remarkable success, selling over 65 million records worldwide. She even became the first Pakistani singer to enter the British musical charts with her English language single “Dreamer Deewane.”

Beyond her musical achievements, Nazia Hassan was a lawyer, social activist, and philanthropist. She earned degrees from Richmond, The American International University, and the University of London, receiving both national and international awards for her contributions.

At just 15 years old, she became the youngest recipient of India’s prestigious Filmfare award in 1980. She was also honored with Pakistan’s highest civilian award, the Pride of Performance.

Nazia Hassan’s influence extended beyond music and entertainment. In 1991, she was appointed as a cultural ambassador for UNICEF, using her platform to advocate for important causes. Her final album, “Camera Camera” (1992), was part of an anti-drug campaign, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact.

Today, her legacy continues to resonate, celebrating her contributions to music, social causes, and the arts.

EU ambassador plays trumpet for Pakistan Independence