News Desk |
Google is paying homage today to legendary pop singer Nazia Hassan with a doodle feature on her 53rd birthday. Nazia Hassan after enjoying a bright career as singer eventually died of cancer at the age of 35 in 2000.
In a statement, Google wrote, “When young Pakistani girls in the 1980s closed their eyes and clutched a pretend mic in their hands, swaying and singing, a major inspiration was Nazia Hassan. Hassan, sometimes referred to as the “Princess of Pop”, was a sensation the likes of which hadn’t been seen in the region in years. Young and graceful, with long flowing hair, she charmed the country by belting out favorite songs Disco Deewane and Boom Boom alongside her brother Zohaib.”
Even after 18 years of her death, Nazia Hassan is still remembered as one of the finest performer subcontinents has ever produced. She not only has a massive following in Pakistan but she is equally liked in cross-border India as well. The subcontinent has not seen any performer at par in these 18 years.
Read more: Sania Mirza makes trip to Lahore to visit family
Nazia Hassan along with her brother appeared as the child artist in several PTV musical programs in late 70’s. She got a major breakthrough in her singing career when she lent vocals for a song ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ for Indian movie ‘Qurbaan’ in 1980. In 1981, Hassan won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback for Aap Jaisa Koi.
Among her hits, include ‘Ankhain Milanay Walay’, ‘Pyaar dia Gallan’, ‘Disco Deewane’, ‘Boom Boom’ and ‘Dosti’. She, along with her brother, sold over 65 million records worldwide and became the first Pakistani to top the British music charts in 1990’s.
Nazia Hassan then went ahead to secure her LL.B degree from Lancaster University in the UK. She became an excellent advocate of Human rights and went on to work as a Political Analyst at United Nations Headquarters. As a Political Analyst, she focused her research on the cause of Palestine and Kashmir. She once dedicated an entire album to discourage the use of narcotics among the juveniles.
In her early 30’s Nazia Hassan was diagnosed with cancer. She at the same time was suffering from a turbulent married life. She ended her marriage during the second round of treatment. Nazia Hassan managed to recover from the first attack of cancer but relapsed with a return of stronger cancer.
Nazia Hassan was then admitted to hospital soon where she succumbed to stronger treatment on August 13, 2000, leaving behind her three-old year son. Yet, her legacy lives on.