Twenty-six years have passed today since the passing of iconic Pakistani pop singer Nazia Hassan, who revolutionised South Asian pop culture and still resonates with her fans.
Her 26th death anniversary is being observed today, August 13, a day before Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Nazia Hassan was born on 3rd April, 1965 and started her music career at a tender young age. Her big break was in 1980 with “Aap Jaisa Koi” that earned her international fame.
Later on, due to her appearances in the popular Pakistan Television programme Sung Sung, she became a household name.
Nazia earned the first win of an Indian Filmfare Award at the age of 15, which made history as the first-ever Pakistani singer to win an Indian Filmfare Award.
Her first album Disco Deewane, was released in 1981 and was a huge hit, becoming a hit in 14 countries.
The title song has been adopted as an anthem for a generation and has helped to propel Nazia to become one of the most prominent pop idols of South Asia.
Her musical contribution won her many awards and accolades on both the national and international platforms, including Pakistan’s prestigious Pride of Performance award.
Decades later, her impact can still be felt in popular culture, and “Disco Deewane” continues to be celebrated and referenced by younger generations.
Nazia passed away in London on August 13, 2000 at age 35, due to lung cancer.
Her demise, which coincided with Independence Day the very next day, overshadowed the celebrations of the nation.
To many Pakistanis who had to form up in the 1980’s, Nazia was more than a singer. She was a symbol of a new era of Pakistani music, youth and hope.
Her death was not just the death of an iconic artist; it was the death of a dream for many in her generation.
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