It has been 25 years since Pakistan lost its beloved pop music legend, Nazia Hassan. Known as the Queen of Pop in Pakistan, Nazia left a lasting impact on the music industry with her unique voice and unforgettable songs.
Born in Karachi on April 3, 1965, Nazia started her music journey early, performing as a child star at the age of 10. Her breakthrough came when she was only 15 years old, with the hit song “Aap Jaisa Koi” from the Bollywood movie Qurbani in 1980. This song became an instant hit not only in Pakistan but internationally, earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer, a first for any Pakistani artist.
Nazia Hassan, along with her brother Zoheb Hassan, changed the music scene in Pakistan. Their first album, Disco Deewane, broke records and became popular in more than twelve countries. They followed it with successful albums like Boom Boom, Young Tarang, and Hotline. These hits made Nazia a household name and helped establish pop music as a popular genre in Pakistan.
By the time she retired from singing, Nazia had sold around 6.5 million music cassettes worldwide, which was a huge success for a South Asian artist at that time. Sadly, Nazia passed away on August 13, 2000, in London after fighting lung cancer. She was only 35 years old.
Despite her early death, Nazia Hassan’s music continues to live on. Her songs are still played on radio stations and are available on digital music platforms, inspiring both old fans and new listeners alike. On this 25th anniversary of her passing, people in Pakistan and around the world remember her as a music icon who broke barriers and paved the way for future Pakistani artists.
Nazia Hassan’s legacy is more than just her songs; it is her role as a pioneer who brought a new sound to South Asia and made pop music popular in Pakistan. She will always be remembered as a shining star in the country’s music history.
