WEB DESK: Nazia Hassan, Pakistan’s ‘pop queen’ sweetheart, would have been 60 today but, Sadly, she left us 26 years ago after a courageous battle with cancer.
In the vibrant landscape of the 1980s, young Pakistani girls found their voices and dreams through the enchanting melodies of Nazia Hassan. Known as the “Princess of Pop.”
Hassan emerged as a dazzling sensation, captivating fans across the region with her youthful charm and powerful vocals. Alongside her brother, Zohaib, she conquered hearts with infectious hits like “Disco Deewane” and “Boom Boom,” epitomizing a new era of music in Pakistan.
Born on April 3, 1965, in Karachi, her journey into stardom began at just 15 when she collaborated with London producer Kumar to record the iconic Bollywood track “Aap Jaisa Koi” for the blockbuster film “Qurbani.” This hit not only secured her a Filmfare award but also launched her into a career that would see her become a pop culture icon.
With subsequent albums like “Boom Boom” in 1982 and “Young Tarang” in 1984, Hassan’s music resonated with countless fans. Remarkably, she became the first Pakistani artist to appear on the British music charts with her English rendition of “Disco Deewane,” titled “Dreamer Deewane.”
Beyond her musical brilliance, Nazia Hassan was a dedicated scholar and humanitarian. Armed with a law degree, she served at the U.N. and worked closely with UNICEF, championing the rights of young people.
Tragically, after making an indelible mark on both the music industry and society, Hassan’s life was cut short when she succumbed to lung cancer at the tender age of 35. Her legacy, however, continues to inspire generations of artists and activists, reminding us of the power of music and compassion.
