Nazia Hassan
Encyclopedia
Nazia Hassan (April 3, 1965 – August 13, 2000
. Her song "Aap Jaisa Koi
" from the Indian film
Qurbani
(1980) made her a legend and pop icon in Pakistan
and all of South Asia
in the 1980s, where she is admired and loved even today, years after her death. Her debut album Disco Deewane
(1981) also charted in fourteen countries worldwide and became the best-selling Asian pop record up until that time. Nazia Hassan, along with her brother Zohaib Hassan
, went on to sell over 60 million records worldwide.
Nazia was the first Pakistani to win a Filmfare Award and remains the youngest winner of a Filmfare Award in the category of Best Female Playback Singer to date. She was 15.
and from an early age showed interest in music. Nazia began singing during the late 1970s, when she appeared on several television shows on PTV as a child artist. Her professional career started at the age of fifteen when she provided the lead vocals for the song Aap Jaisa Koi
from the 1980
film Qurbani
. Nazia met the film's director Feroz Khan
at a party in the United Kingdom
. Khan later requested Hassan have an audition with Biddu
, a London-based Indian music composer. Biddu then signed her up for Aap Jaisa Koi, the song he composed for Qurbani
.
The song was a huge success in India and despite Nazia being a Pakistani, she gained overnight fame there. In 1981, Nazia won the Filmfare Award
for Best Female Playback
for Aap Jaisa Koi.
on numerous other projects. In 1981
, Nazia became the first playback singer
to release an album. Her first album
was Disco Deewane
. The album broke record sales in Pakistan and India and even topped the charts in the West Indies, Latin America and Russia. This album became a mega-hit and Nazia became an established pop singer
in Pakistan. The album also had vocals by her brother, Zohaib Hassan
.
After the release of Disco Deewane, Nazia and Zoheb were offered the chance to act in a movie by Biddu, but they refused to act and chose singing. Nazia's second album Star/Boom Boom
was released in 1982
. The soundtrack of the album was used in the movie Star
. Nazia made an appearance in the film, singing the song, Boom Boom. The film did not do well at the box office
but the album was successful and increased the popularity of Nazia and her brother Zoheb in Pakistan and India.
Nazia's third album, Young Tarang
was released in 1984
. It was the first album in Pakistan to feature music video
s, which were made in London by David & Kathy Rose. The album sold over 40 million copies. The album became Nazia's most famous and one of the most popular in Asia
. Ankhien Milane Wale was the most popular song of the album. After the release of Young Tarang, Nazia returned to singing for Bollywood
movies as a playback singer.
Nazia's fourth album, Hotline
was released in 1987
. Aa Haan was the most popular song of the album.
, Nazia had become the most popular pop singer of Pakistan. In 1988
, Nazia and her brother Zoheb appeared with music maestro Sohail Rana in his television program, Sung Sung. In the following year
, Nazia and Zoheb hosted the groundbreaking show Music '89
. The show was produced by Shoaib Mansoor
. It was the first-ever all pop-music stage show to be aired on television. The show launched the careers of many new rising bands and singers and became popular in Pakistan. Nazia hosted another show, Dhanak on PTV in the same year, 1989.
In 1991
, Nazia and her brother Zoheb recorded her fifth album, Camera Camera. Before the album's release, Nazia and Zoheb announced during a launching ceremony that it would be their last album. The album was released in 1992
. It was not as successful as Nazia's previous albums and received only average reaction. After the album's release, Nazia left her singing career to focus on her personal life.
In 1991, she joined the Department of Political and Security Council Affairs at the United Nations Headquarters
in New York
and worked there for two years. In her third year, she offered her services at UNICEF. Her social and academic excellence won her a scholarship in Columbia University
’s Leadership Program, but she was unable to avail it because around this time she was diagnosed with cancer.
The composer of her albums, Biddu composed a song, Made in India and he wanted Nazia to sing it. But the retired Nazia refused to sing a song that might offend Pakistan. The song was then offered to Alisha Chinai
.
and the Jupiters, got a platform on "Music '89".
Nazia also had a seismic impact in India. "India Today" magazine voted her as one of the top 50 people who helped change the face of India. She has contributed to the development of the present isomorphism of Bollywood
music and pop: “She set - well ahead of its time - the personal album trend in India, spawning the likes of Alisha Chinai
, Lucky Ali
and Shweta Shetty
", the magazine noted at the time. After the huge success of their music, Nazia and Zoheb were signed by EMI Group
and were the first South Asian singers to be signed by an international music company.
Nazia used her iconic status to promote social causes. All the money earned from music was spent on charity. She relentlessly worked for special children and for youth and women in distress residing in the underprivileged areas of Karachi. Nazia supported the “Inner Wheel Club” of India and helped raise funds for them. In Pakistan, she established the organization “BAN” (Battle Against Narcotics) and became an active member of organisations such as Voice of Women, National Youth Council of Pakistan, etc.
Nazia worked with Javed Jabbar, former Information Minister, to raise funds for children in Rajasthan
. She went to a very large number of schools to collect toys for poor children and gave talks on the subject of social awareness for the under privileged. Nazia never forgot the love and support of all the schools and always spoke with great affection for them. The worthy staff and the students of St Joseph’s Convent, Mama Parsi School and many others had gone out of their way to help the cause.
Surprisingly, music was only a hobby for Nazia and though her achievements in this field were anyone’s dream come true, she lived away from the glitzy world and led a secluded and simple life. She completed her education in the UK, got a law degree and then worked in the United Nations in the Security Council. Nazia continued her social work even in New York and worked for children from UN platform.
She is known as the "Sweetheart of Pakistan". Nazia Hassan is still the symbol of grace, sacred beauty and innocence and is frequently compared to Princess Diana, as she was known to possess a heart of gold. Nazia spent her teenage years between Karachi and London.
and a sister Zahra, both of whom became singers. Nazia was married on March 30, 1995 to Mirza Ishtiaq Baig. They had a son, Arez, on April 7, 1997. But they got divorced on August 4, 2000, ten days before her death.
in London
on August 13, 2000 at the age of 35. She was admitted to North Finchley Hospice three days earlier when her condition deteriorated. She showed signs of mild recovery the day before she died and it was thought that doctors would allow her to go home. But early Sunday morning, her mother, Muneeza Hasan, was called to the hospital where her daughter had started coughing heavily at around 9:15am. She died within minutes. Nazia is buried at the Muslim Hendon Cemetery in London.
The Government of Pakistan has conferred upon Nazia Hassan the highest civilian award Pride of Performance. The award was presented to Mrs. Muniza Basir, mother of Nazia Hassan, by the President of Pakistan
Pervez Musharraf
in an official ceremony held at Islamabad on 23 March 2002. In 2003, Nazia's family established a charitable organization Nazia Hassan Foundation
, named after her. The organization was established to continue her life-long charitable and social efforts to make the world a better place to live in for all, irrespective of religion, caste or creed.
(1981)
Star/Boom Boom
(1982)
Hazan (1983)
Young Tarang
(1984)
Hotline
(1987)
Saffron, Then He Kissed Me (1988)
Camera Camera (1992)
(1980)
Star/Boom Boom
(1982)
Dil Wala (1986)
Ilzaam
(1986)
Adhetiyakar (1986)
Main Bulwan (1986)
Sheela (1987)
Saaya (1989)
Pop Singer
"Pop Singer" is the début single from London-based glam rockers Rachel Stamp. It was released in February, 1996 through WEA. The single was released as a 2 track CD Single and limited edition pink 7" vinyl of 1000 copies...
. Her song "Aap Jaisa Koi
Aap Jaisa Koi
"Aap Jaisa Koi" is a 1980 Indian Hindi-Urdu song from the film Qurbani. It was composed by Biddu and was sung by the Pakistani singer, Nazia Hassan. It was Nazia's first song. The song was featured in the film as an item number.-History:...
" from the Indian film
Cinema of India
The cinema of India consists of films produced across India, which includes the cinematic culture of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Indian films came to be followed throughout South Asia and...
Qurbani
Qurbani (1980 film)
Qurbani is a 1980 Indian Bollywood movie. The word "qurbani" means "sacrifice" in English. Produced and directed by Feroz Khan . The film stars Feroz Khan, Vinod Khanna, Zeenat Aman, Amjad Khan, Shakti Kapoor, Aruna Irani, Amrish Puri and Kadar Khan...
(1980) made her a legend and pop icon in Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
and all of South Asia
South Asia
South Asia, also known as Southern Asia, is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities , also includes the adjoining countries to the west and the east...
in the 1980s, where she is admired and loved even today, years after her death. Her debut album Disco Deewane
Disco Deewane
Disco Deewane is a Pakistani pop album, performed by Pakistani singer Nazia Hassan and produced by the famous Indian producer Biddu, that was released in 1981. It charted in fourteen countries worldwide and became the best-selling Asian pop record up until that time...
(1981) also charted in fourteen countries worldwide and became the best-selling Asian pop record up until that time. Nazia Hassan, along with her brother Zohaib Hassan
Zohaib Hassan
Zoheb Hassan is a self retired Pakistani pop icon, who left the music industry after the sad demise of his sister and sub-continental pop legend, Nazia Hassan.-Career:Zoheb Hassan was born on November 18, 1966....
, went on to sell over 60 million records worldwide.
Nazia was the first Pakistani to win a Filmfare Award and remains the youngest winner of a Filmfare Award in the category of Best Female Playback Singer to date. She was 15.
1975–1980: Beginning
Nazia Hassan was born in Karachi, PakistanPakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
and from an early age showed interest in music. Nazia began singing during the late 1970s, when she appeared on several television shows on PTV as a child artist. Her professional career started at the age of fifteen when she provided the lead vocals for the song Aap Jaisa Koi
Aap Jaisa Koi
"Aap Jaisa Koi" is a 1980 Indian Hindi-Urdu song from the film Qurbani. It was composed by Biddu and was sung by the Pakistani singer, Nazia Hassan. It was Nazia's first song. The song was featured in the film as an item number.-History:...
from the 1980
1980 in film
- Events :* May 21 - Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is released and is the biggest grosser of the year ....
film Qurbani
Qurbani (1980 film)
Qurbani is a 1980 Indian Bollywood movie. The word "qurbani" means "sacrifice" in English. Produced and directed by Feroz Khan . The film stars Feroz Khan, Vinod Khanna, Zeenat Aman, Amjad Khan, Shakti Kapoor, Aruna Irani, Amrish Puri and Kadar Khan...
. Nazia met the film's director Feroz Khan
Feroz Khan
Feroz Khan was an Indian actor, film editor, producer and director in the Hindi film industry...
at a party in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. Khan later requested Hassan have an audition with Biddu
Biddu
Biddu or Biddu Appaiah is an Indian-British music producer, composer, song-writer and singer who produced and composed many hit records worldwide during a career spanning five decades...
, a London-based Indian music composer. Biddu then signed her up for Aap Jaisa Koi, the song he composed for Qurbani
Qurbani
Qurbān is the sacrifice of a livestock animal during Eid ul-Adha. The word form was borrowed from Hebrew qorbān "offering" and Syriac qurbānā "sacrifice", etymologised through the cognate Arabic triliteral as "a way or means of approaching someone"....
.
The song was a huge success in India and despite Nazia being a Pakistani, she gained overnight fame there. In 1981, Nazia won the Filmfare Award
Filmfare Awards
The Filmfare Awards are presented annually by The Times Group to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in the Hindi language film industry of India. The Filmfare ceremony is one of the oldest and most prominent film events given for Hindi films in India. The awards were...
for Best Female Playback
Filmfare Best Female Playback Award
The Filmfare Best Female Playback Award is given by Filmfare as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films, to recognise a female playback singer who has delivered an outstanding performance in a film song....
for Aap Jaisa Koi.
1981–1987: Pop music
After the success of Aap Jaisa Koi, Qurbani became a big hit and Nazia collaborated with BidduBiddu
Biddu or Biddu Appaiah is an Indian-British music producer, composer, song-writer and singer who produced and composed many hit records worldwide during a career spanning five decades...
on numerous other projects. In 1981
1981 in music
See also:* Timeline of musical eventsThis is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1981.-January–April:*January 10 – A revival of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta The Pirates of Penzance opens at Broadway's Uris Theatre, starring Linda Ronstadt and Rex Smith.*January 24 –...
, Nazia became the first playback singer
Playback singer
A playback singer is a singer whose singing is prerecorded for use in movies. Playback singers record songs for soundtracks, and actors or actresses lip-sync the songs for cameras, while the actual singer does not appear on screen.-South Asia:...
to release an album. Her first album
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
was Disco Deewane
Disco Deewane
Disco Deewane is a Pakistani pop album, performed by Pakistani singer Nazia Hassan and produced by the famous Indian producer Biddu, that was released in 1981. It charted in fourteen countries worldwide and became the best-selling Asian pop record up until that time...
. The album broke record sales in Pakistan and India and even topped the charts in the West Indies, Latin America and Russia. This album became a mega-hit and Nazia became an established pop singer
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
in Pakistan. The album also had vocals by her brother, Zohaib Hassan
Zohaib Hassan
Zoheb Hassan is a self retired Pakistani pop icon, who left the music industry after the sad demise of his sister and sub-continental pop legend, Nazia Hassan.-Career:Zoheb Hassan was born on November 18, 1966....
.
After the release of Disco Deewane, Nazia and Zoheb were offered the chance to act in a movie by Biddu, but they refused to act and chose singing. Nazia's second album Star/Boom Boom
Star/Boom Boom
Star/Boom Boom is the second music album of famous brother and sister duo Nazia Hassan & Zohaib Hassan released in 1982. A movie was made on the music in Bollywood called Star....
was released in 1982
1982 in music
This is a list of notable events in music from 1982. 1982 was a big year in music with Madonna making her debut as well as the year that Michael Jackson released Thriller which became the world's best selling album and it still holds that title today....
. The soundtrack of the album was used in the movie Star
Star (1982 film)
Star is a Bollywood movie made in 1982, starring Kumar Gaurav, Rati Agnihotri, Raj Kiran, Saeed Jaffrey, A.K. Hangal, Dina Pathak and Padmini Kolhapure. It had a very successful soundtrack released as Star/Boom Boom, produced by Biddu and sung by Nazia Hassan....
. Nazia made an appearance in the film, singing the song, Boom Boom. The film did not do well at the box office
Box office
A box office is a place where tickets are sold to the public for admission to an event. Patrons may perform the transaction at a countertop, through an unblocked hole through a wall or window, or at a wicket....
but the album was successful and increased the popularity of Nazia and her brother Zoheb in Pakistan and India.
Nazia's third album, Young Tarang
Young Tarang
Young Tarang was the third music album of the duo sensation Nazia Hassan and Zohaib Hassan released in 1984. It is one of the most famous albums of Asia. It was the first Asian album to feature music videos. The album sold over 60 million copies....
was released in 1984
1984 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1984.-Janury-March:*January 21 – "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood reaches number one in the UK singles chart, despite being banned by the BBC; it spends a total of forty-two weeks in the Top 40.*January 27 – Michael Jackson's...
. It was the first album in Pakistan to feature music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
s, which were made in London by David & Kathy Rose. The album sold over 40 million copies. The album became Nazia's most famous and one of the most popular in Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
. Ankhien Milane Wale was the most popular song of the album. After the release of Young Tarang, Nazia returned to singing for Bollywood
Bollywood
Bollywood is the informal term popularly used for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai , Maharashtra, India. The term is often incorrectly used to refer to the whole of Indian cinema; it is only a part of the total Indian film industry, which includes other production centers producing...
movies as a playback singer.
Nazia's fourth album, Hotline
Hotline (Nazia and Zohaib Hassan album)
Hotline was the fourth music album of the first pop singers of the sub-continent Nazia Hassan & Zohaib Hassan released in 1987. It was the most selling album of the duo after Disco deewane.-Track listing:# Telephone Pyar - Nazia Hassan & Zahra Hassan...
was released in 1987
1987 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1987.See also:Record labels established in 1987-January-February:*January 3 – Aretha Franklin becomes the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame...
. Aa Haan was the most popular song of the album.
1989–1992: Music '89, Camera Camera & retirement
By the end of the 1980s1980s
File:1980s decade montage.png|thumb|400px|From left, clockwise: The first Space Shuttle, Columbia, lifted off in 1981; American President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev eased tensions between the two superpowers, leading to the end of the Cold War; The Fall of the Berlin Wall in...
, Nazia had become the most popular pop singer of Pakistan. In 1988
1988 in television
The year 1988 in television involved some significant events.Below is a list of television-related events in 1988.For the American TV schedule, see: 1988-89 United States network television schedule.-Events:-Debuts:...
, Nazia and her brother Zoheb appeared with music maestro Sohail Rana in his television program, Sung Sung. In the following year
1989 in television
For the American TV schedule, see: 1989–90 United States network television schedule.The year 1989 in television involved some significant events.Below is a list of television-related events in 1989.-Events:-Debuts:-1950s:...
, Nazia and Zoheb hosted the groundbreaking show Music '89
Music '89
Music '89 was the first ever all pop music stage-show to be aired on Pakistan TV. It was aired in January 1989, on PTV . The show was directed by Shoaib Mansoor and hosted by the famous singer Nazia Hassan and her brother, Zohaib Hassan. It was a revolutionary show that introduced a new breed of...
. The show was produced by Shoaib Mansoor
Shoaib Mansoor
Shoaib Mansoor , PP, SI, is an acclaimed Pakistani film and television producer, director, writer, lyricist and composer.-Career:...
. It was the first-ever all pop-music stage show to be aired on television. The show launched the careers of many new rising bands and singers and became popular in Pakistan. Nazia hosted another show, Dhanak on PTV in the same year, 1989.
In 1991
1991 in music
See also:* 1991 in music Record labels established in 1991-Summary:The year 1991 is the year that grunge music made its popular breakthrough. Nirvana's Nevermind, led by the surprise hit single "Smells Like Teen Spirit", becomes the most popular U.S. album of the year...
, Nazia and her brother Zoheb recorded her fifth album, Camera Camera. Before the album's release, Nazia and Zoheb announced during a launching ceremony that it would be their last album. The album was released in 1992
1992 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1992.-January–February:*January 11**Nirvana's Nevermind album goes to #1 in the US Billboard 200 chart, establishing the widespread popularity of the Grunge movement of the 1990s....
. It was not as successful as Nazia's previous albums and received only average reaction. After the album's release, Nazia left her singing career to focus on her personal life.
In 1991, she joined the Department of Political and Security Council Affairs at the United Nations Headquarters
United Nations headquarters
The headquarters of the United Nations is a complex in New York City. The complex has served as the official headquarters of the United Nations since its completion in 1952. It is located in the Turtle Bay neighborhood of Manhattan, on spacious grounds overlooking the East River...
in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
and worked there for two years. In her third year, she offered her services at UNICEF. Her social and academic excellence won her a scholarship in Columbia University
Columbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
’s Leadership Program, but she was unable to avail it because around this time she was diagnosed with cancer.
The composer of her albums, Biddu composed a song, Made in India and he wanted Nazia to sing it. But the retired Nazia refused to sing a song that might offend Pakistan. The song was then offered to Alisha Chinai
Alisha Chinai
Alisha Chinai in Gujarati family and an Indian pop singer known for her several albums as well as playback singing in Hindi cinema.-Career:...
.
Legacy
Pakistan's vibrant contemporary music scene owes itself to Nazia Hassan's redefinition of pop. In fact, the biggest nineties bands, including the Vital SignsVital Signs (band)
Vital Signs were a Pakistani Pop rock band that formed in Rawalpindi in 1986. The group was formed by Rohail Hyatt and Shahzad Hasan , who were soon joined by Nusrat Hussain and Junaid Jamshed...
and the Jupiters, got a platform on "Music '89".
Nazia also had a seismic impact in India. "India Today" magazine voted her as one of the top 50 people who helped change the face of India. She has contributed to the development of the present isomorphism of Bollywood
Bollywood
Bollywood is the informal term popularly used for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai , Maharashtra, India. The term is often incorrectly used to refer to the whole of Indian cinema; it is only a part of the total Indian film industry, which includes other production centers producing...
music and pop: “She set - well ahead of its time - the personal album trend in India, spawning the likes of Alisha Chinai
Alisha Chinai
Alisha Chinai in Gujarati family and an Indian pop singer known for her several albums as well as playback singing in Hindi cinema.-Career:...
, Lucky Ali
Lucky Ali
Lucky Ali , born as Maqsood Mehmood Ali , is an Indian singer songwriter, composer and actor. Lucky is best known for his soulful but strikingly simple ballad-style singing and melodious voice.-Biography:...
and Shweta Shetty
Shweta Shetty
Shweta Shetty is an Indian pop singer known for her albums and for her contributions to Bollywood film soundtracks. She currently lives in Hamburg. She is married to a German, Christian Brandt.Her song johnny joker was a famous one....
", the magazine noted at the time. After the huge success of their music, Nazia and Zoheb were signed by EMI Group
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
and were the first South Asian singers to be signed by an international music company.
Nazia used her iconic status to promote social causes. All the money earned from music was spent on charity. She relentlessly worked for special children and for youth and women in distress residing in the underprivileged areas of Karachi. Nazia supported the “Inner Wheel Club” of India and helped raise funds for them. In Pakistan, she established the organization “BAN” (Battle Against Narcotics) and became an active member of organisations such as Voice of Women, National Youth Council of Pakistan, etc.
Nazia worked with Javed Jabbar, former Information Minister, to raise funds for children in Rajasthan
Rajasthan
Rājasthān the land of Rajasthanis, , is the largest state of the Republic of India by area. It is located in the northwest of India. It encompasses most of the area of the large, inhospitable Great Indian Desert , which has an edge paralleling the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with...
. She went to a very large number of schools to collect toys for poor children and gave talks on the subject of social awareness for the under privileged. Nazia never forgot the love and support of all the schools and always spoke with great affection for them. The worthy staff and the students of St Joseph’s Convent, Mama Parsi School and many others had gone out of their way to help the cause.
Surprisingly, music was only a hobby for Nazia and though her achievements in this field were anyone’s dream come true, she lived away from the glitzy world and led a secluded and simple life. She completed her education in the UK, got a law degree and then worked in the United Nations in the Security Council. Nazia continued her social work even in New York and worked for children from UN platform.
She is known as the "Sweetheart of Pakistan". Nazia Hassan is still the symbol of grace, sacred beauty and innocence and is frequently compared to Princess Diana, as she was known to possess a heart of gold. Nazia spent her teenage years between Karachi and London.
Personal life
Nazia was the daughter of a well-known businessman Mr. Basir Hassan and an active social worker, Mrs. Munizeh Basir. She had two siblings, a brother ZohaibZohaib Hassan
Zoheb Hassan is a self retired Pakistani pop icon, who left the music industry after the sad demise of his sister and sub-continental pop legend, Nazia Hassan.-Career:Zoheb Hassan was born on November 18, 1966....
and a sister Zahra, both of whom became singers. Nazia was married on March 30, 1995 to Mirza Ishtiaq Baig. They had a son, Arez, on April 7, 1997. But they got divorced on August 4, 2000, ten days before her death.
Death
Nazia died of lung cancerLung cancer
Lung cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. If left untreated, this growth can spread beyond the lung in a process called metastasis into nearby tissue and, eventually, into other parts of the body. Most cancers that start in lung, known as primary...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
on August 13, 2000 at the age of 35. She was admitted to North Finchley Hospice three days earlier when her condition deteriorated. She showed signs of mild recovery the day before she died and it was thought that doctors would allow her to go home. But early Sunday morning, her mother, Muneeza Hasan, was called to the hospital where her daughter had started coughing heavily at around 9:15am. She died within minutes. Nazia is buried at the Muslim Hendon Cemetery in London.
The Government of Pakistan has conferred upon Nazia Hassan the highest civilian award Pride of Performance. The award was presented to Mrs. Muniza Basir, mother of Nazia Hassan, by the President of Pakistan
President of Pakistan
The President of Pakistan is the head of state, as well as figurehead, of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Recently passed an XVIII Amendment , Pakistan has a parliamentary democratic system of government. According to the Constitution, the President is chosen by the Electoral College to serve a...
Pervez Musharraf
Pervez Musharraf
Pervez Musharraf , is a retired four-star general who served as the 13th Chief of Army Staff and tenth President of Pakistan as well as tenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. Musharraf headed and led an administrative military government from October 1999 till August 2007. He ruled...
in an official ceremony held at Islamabad on 23 March 2002. In 2003, Nazia's family established a charitable organization Nazia Hassan Foundation
Nazia Hassan Foundation
The Nazia Hassan Foundation was established by Nazia Hassan's parents Basir and Muniza, her sister Zahra, her brother Zoheb, and her son Arez. The charity is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, and was established to continue Nazia’s social work....
, named after her. The organization was established to continue her life-long charitable and social efforts to make the world a better place to live in for all, irrespective of religion, caste or creed.
Albums
Disco DeewaneDisco Deewane
Disco Deewane is a Pakistani pop album, performed by Pakistani singer Nazia Hassan and produced by the famous Indian producer Biddu, that was released in 1981. It charted in fourteen countries worldwide and became the best-selling Asian pop record up until that time...
(1981)
- Ao Na
- Disco Deewane
- Lakin Mera Dil
- Mujhay Chahie
- Komal Komal
- Tere Qadmoon Ko
- Dil Mera
- Dhundli Raat
- Gaien Mil Ker
- Disco Deewane (Instrumental)
Star/Boom Boom
Star/Boom Boom
Star/Boom Boom is the second music album of famous brother and sister duo Nazia Hassan & Zohaib Hassan released in 1982. A movie was made on the music in Bollywood called Star....
(1982)
- Boom Boom
- Ooee Ooee
- Jana
- Zindagi
- Muskuraye Ja
- Star
- Khushi
- Dheree Dheree
- Boom Boom (Part II)
- Koi Nahi
Hazan (1983)
- Dreamer Devane
- Destiny
- Get a little Closer
- Dreamer Devane (Extended Version)
Young Tarang
Young Tarang
Young Tarang was the third music album of the duo sensation Nazia Hassan and Zohaib Hassan released in 1984. It is one of the most famous albums of Asia. It was the first Asian album to feature music videos. The album sold over 60 million copies....
(1984)
- Aag
- Dum Dum Dede
- Chera
- Kya Howa
- Dosti
- Ashanti
- Sunn
- Medley
- Ankhen Milane Wale
- Pyar Ka Jadu
Hotline
Hotline (Nazia and Zohaib Hassan album)
Hotline was the fourth music album of the first pop singers of the sub-continent Nazia Hassan & Zohaib Hassan released in 1987. It was the most selling album of the duo after Disco deewane.-Track listing:# Telephone Pyar - Nazia Hassan & Zahra Hassan...
(1987)
- Telephone Pyar
- Hum Aur Tum
- Soja
- Aan
- Khubsorat
- Teri Yaad
- Paisa
- Dharti Hamari
- Ajnabi
- Number Ek
- Hamaisha
- Kaam Kaam Kaam
Saffron, Then He Kissed Me (1988)
- Then He Kissed Me
- Then He Kissed Me (Radio Edit)
- Then He Kissed Me (Bhangra Beat)
Camera Camera (1992)
- Camera Camera
- Wala Wai
- Tali Thay Thale
- Mama Papa
- Keon
- If You Could
- Meherbani
- Aaj Nahin Tu Kal
- Nasha
- Pyar Ka Geet
- Dil Ke Lagi
- If
- Camera Camera (Dance Mix)
Films (playback singer)
QurbaniQurbani
Qurbān is the sacrifice of a livestock animal during Eid ul-Adha. The word form was borrowed from Hebrew qorbān "offering" and Syriac qurbānā "sacrifice", etymologised through the cognate Arabic triliteral as "a way or means of approaching someone"....
(1980)
- Aap Jaisa Koi
Star/Boom Boom
Star/Boom Boom
Star/Boom Boom is the second music album of famous brother and sister duo Nazia Hassan & Zohaib Hassan released in 1982. A movie was made on the music in Bollywood called Star....
(1982)
- Boom Boom
- Ooee Ooee
- Jana
- Zindagi
- Muskuraye Ja
- Star
- Dheree Dheree
- Boom Boom (Part II)
- Koi Nahi
- Nigahon Se Durr
Dil Wala (1986)
- Tonight Pyar Karo
Ilzaam
Ilzaam
Ilzaam is a 1986 Bollywood film starring Govinda in his film debut alongside Neelam, Shatrughan Sinha, Shashi Kapoor, Prem Chopra and Anita Raj.-Synopsis:Orphaned and poor Ajay meets with wealthy Aarti , and both fall in love...
(1986)
- Main Aya Tere Liye
Adhetiyakar (1986)
- Laher Laher Chanchel Howi
Main Bulwan (1986)
- Rock 'N' Roll - Nazia & Kishore Kumar
- Hulla Gulla Karien Hum - Nazia & Kishore Kumar
Sheela (1987)
- Sheela O' My Sheela
- Takta Mani Mana
Saaya (1989)
- Shukriya
Television appearances
- Kaliyon Ke Mala (1975) -- Appearance as a child artist - Nazia Hassan sung Dosti Asa Naata
- Sang Sang Chalien (1977) -- Appearance as a child artist
- Disco Deewane (BBC Show 1981)
- Disco Deewane (DD 1 1981)
- BBC News (1981)
- Zia Moh-u-Din Show (Channel 4 1981)
- David Sole (1981)
- David Essex (1981)
- Young Tarang Show (DD 1 1984)
- Aap Ke Liye (PTV 1985)
- PTV Election Transmission (1985)
- Show Time (PTV 1986)
- Yes Sir No Sir (PTV 1987)
- TV Hits (1987)
- BBC Show (1987)
- PTV Awards (1988)
- Then He Kissed ME (1988)
- Music '89Music '89Music '89 was the first ever all pop music stage-show to be aired on Pakistan TV. It was aired in January 1989, on PTV . The show was directed by Shoaib Mansoor and hosted by the famous singer Nazia Hassan and her brother, Zohaib Hassan. It was a revolutionary show that introduced a new breed of...
(1989); Hosted by Nazia Hassan & Zoheb Hassan - Dhanak (1989); Hosted by Nazia Hassan
- PTV 25 (1990)
- Mehman-i-Khasosi (1990)
- Studio 2 (1990)
- Eid Show (1992)
- Eye Witness (1993)
- Kaliyan (1990–1991)
- Pro Audio Show (1995)
- Nawrang (1995); Hosted by Nazia Hassan and Dr. Farooq Baig
- Sawaire Sawaire (PTV 1997)
- PTV World (1998)
- Zee TV (1999, Nazia Hassan's last TV appearance)
Documentary
- A Music Fairy; A Tribute to Nazia HassanA Music FairyA Music Fairy is a 44-minute documentary about Nazia Hassan directed and produced by Ahmad Haseeb. The dcoumentary was screened at the Kara Film Festival in 2009....
by Ahmad HaseebAhmad HaseebAhmad Haseeb is a young director and producer who won the Best Documentary award for his 44-minute documentary "A Music Fairy: A Tribute to Nazia Hassan" on pop icon Nazia Hassan in 2007. The film was screened at the Kara Film Festival. Haseeb also directed rock group Junoon's music video Rooh Ki...
Awards
- Filmfare Best Female Playback AwardFilmfare Best Female Playback AwardThe Filmfare Best Female Playback Award is given by Filmfare as part of its annual Filmfare Awards for Hindi films, to recognise a female playback singer who has delivered an outstanding performance in a film song....
- Double PlatinumDouble PlatinumDouble Platinum is a 1999 musical telefilm starring Diana Ross and Brandy.-Plot:The story begins with a scene featuring star singer Olivia King leaving her daughter Kayla, who was an infant at the time. It is revealed that Kayla was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but in her later years, she would move...
- PlatinumPlatinumPlatinum is a chemical element with the chemical symbol Pt and an atomic number of 78. Its name is derived from the Spanish term platina del Pinto, which is literally translated into "little silver of the Pinto River." It is a dense, malleable, ductile, precious, gray-white transition metal...
- Golden DiscsGolden DiscsGolden Discs is a media retailer based, and trading in, Ireland. Its main competitors are HMV and previously Zavvi, however, Zavvi is no longer trading. Its outlets, however, are significantly smaller than those of HMV...
- Pride of PerformancePride of PerformancePride of Performance , is one of the highest civil award given and conferred by the Pakistan Government to Pakistan's citizens in recognition of distinguished merit in the fields of Literature, Arts, Sports, Medicines, and Science for civilians in most particular cases.The announcement of civil...