Goodbye, Allah Rakhi

Re: Allah Rakhi Benazir Bhutto and US!

With due apologies to Shirin Ahmed!That Allah Rakhi gone. Unfortunately this one who is hauting the US talk circuot is not as innocuous as the one departed. Yet our Pakistani brethren are enamoured by her for some obscure reasons, defying all logic and all intelliegnece, despite her having been shown to be dismally corrupt, and having given substantial backing to Mr 10%, her erstwhile noble husband. These things indeed need to be reported, to lift the mask of civility of gargoyles such as this excuse of a politician/woman. She is begging for support in US, ignoring the following trancript prepared by the US govt, indictoing her and her husband of wrong doing. She is anything but the pure driven snow she claims to be during these please of udnerstanding she is making here in US. Read and weep!

excerpt taken from cowasjees latest 11 feb 2001 article!

In this world of information technology the crimes of Benazir and her husband are widely known. For those interested in the topic, I suggest they switch on their computers, get on to the Internet, click on and open www.levin.senate.gov/issues/psireport2.htm, retrieve and read a US Senate document headed ``Minority Staff Report for Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Hearing on Private Banking and Money Laundering: A Case Study of Opportunities and Vulnerabilities`` dated November 9, 1999. I particularly recommend that our judges, our NAB men, and our official prosecutors download and study this document.

The 50-page Report details the grimy monetary dealings of seven notorious wheeler-dealers. The Republic of Pakistan has the proud privilege of having one of their own on this august list. The list: Raoul Salinas, former Mexican government official, brother of former president of Mexico; Asif Ali Zardari, former Pakistani government official and legislator, husband of former prime minister of Pakistan; El Hadj Omar Bongo, president of Gabon; Abacha Sons: Mohammad, Ibrahim and Abba Abbacha, sons of General Sani Abacha, former military leader of Nigeria.

Under the sub-title ``The Facts``, it is written of Asif Zardari: ``The second case history involves Asif Ali Zardari, the husband of Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan. Ms Bhutto was elected prime minister in 1988, dismissed by the President of Pakistan in August 1990 for alleged corruption and inability to maintain law and order, elected prime minister once again in October 1993, and dismissed by the President again in November 1996. At various times, Mr Zardari served as senator, environment minister and minister for investments in the Bhutto government. In between the two Bhutto administrations, he was incarcerated in 1990 and 1991 on charges of corruption; the charges were eventually dropped. During Ms Bhutto`s second term there were increasing allegations of corruption in her government and a major target of those allegations was Mr Zardari. It has been reported that the government of Pakistan claims that Ms Bhutto and Mr Zardari stole over $ 1 billion from the country.``

Listed are details of Zardari`s relationship with Citibank which began in October 1994 ``through the services of Kamran Amouzegar, a private banker at Citibank private bank in Switzerland, and Jens Schlegelmilch, a Swiss lawyer who was the Bhutto family`s attorney in Europe and close personal friend for more than twenty years.`` Schlegelmilch was invited and came to Karachi for Benazir and Asif`s wedding in 1987 and has paid several visits since then.

The relationships between the account holders, banks, depositors, kickbackers and cover cocerns is highly complicated and can only be sorted out by a careful reading of the Report. Hereunder a few excerpts:

``The staff invited Ms. Bhutto to provide additional information on the M.S. Capricorn Trading accounts, but she has not yet done so.``

``During the period 1994 to 1997, Citibank opened and maintained three private bank accounts in Switzerland and a consumer account in Dubai for three corporations under Mr. Zardari`s control. There are allegations that some of these accounts were used to disguise $10 million in kickbacks for a gold importing contract to Pakistan .......``

``Citibank told the Subcommittee staff that, once opened, only three deposits were made into the M.S. Capricorn Trading account in Dubai. Two deposits, totaling $10 million were made into the account almost immediately after it was opened. Citibank records show that one $5 million deposit was made on October 5, 1994, and another was made on October 6, 1994. The source of both deposits was A.R.Y. International Exchange, a company owned by Abdul Razzak Yaqub, a Pakistani gold bullion trader living in Dubai .......``

``The Zardari case history raises issues involving due diligence, secrecy and public figure accounts. The Zardari case history begins with the Citibank Dubai branch`s failure to identify the true beneficial owner of the M.S. Capricorn Trading account. As a result, the account officer in Dubai performed due diligence on an individual who had no relationship to the account being opened. In Switzerland, Citibank officials opened three private bank accounts despite evidence of impropriety on the part of Mr. Zardari. In an interview with Subcommittee staff, Citigroup Co- Chair John Reed informed the Subcommittee staff that he had been advised by Citibank officials in preparation for a trip to Pakistan in February 1994, that there were troubling accusations concerning corruption surrounding Mr. Zardari, that he should stay away from him, and that he was not a man with whom the bank wanted to be associated. Yet one year later, the private bank opened three accounts for Mr. Zardari in Switzerland. Mr. Reed told the Subcommittee staff that when he learned of the Zardari accounts he thought the account officer must have been `an idiot`.``

If this government does not do whatever needs to be done, however correctly or obliquely, to disqualify and debar every man and woman who held elected office from 1988 to 1999 - all collectively responsible for the present state of the nation - from henceforth holding any elected office ever again, history will hold it responsible for the accelerated disintegration of what is left of this country.

Re: Other gargoyles contribution to Pakistan!

`Nawaz put pressure to convict Benazir`

By our correspondent

LONDON: The ``Sunday Times`` has published transcripts of conversations in 1999 between top minions of the Nawaz Sharif government and a High Court judge hearing the case of PPP leader Benazir Bhutto, bugged by an intelligence official who later fled Pakistan with the tapes.

..

The disclosure came from a senior Pakistani intelligence officer who has said in a letter to the president, obtained by The Sunday Times, that he was told to bug the Justice Abdul Qayyum`s phones. The bugging allegedly revealed that Nawaz Sharif, the former prime minister, was intent on securing Bhutto`s conviction at any cost.

In Pakistan Justice Qayyum challenged the veracity of the tapes saying they could have been concocted or doctored. He refused to comment on the merits of the case as it was being heard by the Supreme Court but said he gave all decisions according to the dictates of his conscience and the requirements of the law.

...

By coincidence, the judge who sentenced him to hang was Qayyum`s father. Since she left Pakistan the government of Musharraf has intensified efforts to track assets Bhutto is suspected of having acquired illegally. Many were received by Zardari, who is in prison.

Transcript (I)

PA to Khalid Anwar: Is Justice Qayyum at Home?

Girl: Who is going to talk?

PA to Khalid Anwar: Khalid Anwar - the federal law minister - would like to talk.

Girl: Please hold on

Justice Qayyum: Hello!

PA: Please hold I`ll connect you with Khalid Anwar.

Khalid Anwar: Asalam-o-Alaikum

Qayyum: Salam-o-Alaikum, how are you sir.

Khalid Anwar: I rang you earlier but you were not at home. Where are you now?

Qayyum: I am in Lahore at the moment

Khalid Anwar: Frankly speaking, I have to discuss two, three issues which

Saif has discussed with me.

Qayyum: Who did?

Khalid Anwar: Saif Sahib has. I can`t talk clearly but in my opinion you would understand it. The fact is that I really respect you and also Saif Sahib does.

Qayyum: Yes, it is all right.

Khalid Anwar: Somebody [Nawaz Sharif]is unhappy over the delay of hearing of his case to Saif that nothing has been done so far and why has it not been concluded. In return Saif defended you and said there is no such delay. There should be no misunderstanding because he is trying his level best. But the gentleman [Nawaz Sharif] is very unhappy, because of the situation. There was discussion regarding this issue and I was wondering that a problem might arise. Now I am thinking if you could reach the final result within the outside limit of two weeks.

Qayyum: Apparently there is no problem we will have to complete the procedure. Cross-examination has been completed entirely. Now their statement under 432 has to be recorded.

Khalid Anwar: So get it done on Monday.

Qayyum: It is being done on Monday. After this we have to give them some time for defence evidence and then the matter will be closed.

Khalid Anwar: What we should do is to start the hearing day to day.

Qayyum: We were hearing it day to day but they have requested for two days time, as there are 356 documents. Now you tell me when we will have to fix the date for defence evidence, some time will be required.

Khalid Anwar: If you are giving them two days so after that you should proceed without any break and stay in Islamabad for the full week instead of two days so that this case is completed within two weeks.

Qayyum: I have been there nearly every day of the last two week.

Khalid: You should just take up this case for the whole week.

Qayyum: I am doing nothing else.

Khalid: I am the one who keeps on asking you all the time and by the Grace of God you have done a good job in banking cases. Whenever I meet the World Bank people you are... Last time you sent me a fax. I was in meeting so I showed it to everybody and said this is what you call performance.

Qayyum: Regarding this, when I come this time , I shall meet and tell you. Our Chief Justice is already there. I also told him that a slight delay is inevitable. For, example, if you ask them for defence evidence, then you will have to give them time, you just cannot say bring that tommorow.

Khalid: Kindly try that the work is done. And next time you call me so that we can have a quiet cup of tea.

Qayyum: I shall definately do it. But I had to tell that the others like me are nowhere close to me.

Khalid: I know how much I respect you.

Qayyum: By the Grace of God we shall conclude this very soon.

Khalid: Kindly do it because from reading between the lines I could gather that there is a lot of pressure on Saif.

Qayyum: No, no... I shall definitely do it.

Khalid: Thank you.

Qayyum: No, sir, I am at your disposal.

Khalid: Allah Hafiz

Qayyum: Thank you sir.

Transcript (II)

Saif-ur-Rehman and Justice Qayyum:

Saif: Aslam-o-Alaikum sir

Qayyum: Same to you.

..............

..............

Full story at:

http://jang.com.pk/thenews/feb2001-daily/05-02-2001/main/main1.htm

http://jang-group.com/jang/feb2001-daily/05-02-2001/topst/main1.htm

Re: Ras and faith in gargoyles :)

All i can say is, Cry, my beloved country, for there is no hope, when its educated populace having been duped too many times to know better, begins to trust this gargoyle yet again.

Let me some up my sentiments on this issue, once and for all, Ras by the wise saying,..``Deceive me once, Shame on you. Deceive me twice, Shame on me``

And it is indeed a royal shame to be seen courting this wolf in sheeps clothing for the third time. Enuff said!

Sincerely,

Asim

This writing was in memory of Noor Jahan. But if you must insist:


From The Nation Lahore Thursday Feb 1, 2001

Benazir, Bush to attend prayer breakfast

From Humayun Akhtar
WASHINGTON-President Bush, who called Jesus his favorite philosopher during his election campaign and this week proposed government funding for “faith-based” social services, is expected to join the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton.
Organizers expect 3,500 to 4,000 people to attend the breakfast, from 170 nations, including former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto alongwith 12 heads of state.
Benazir has already reached US and making her presence felt by giving interviews, visiting various old friends and government officials in the new administration. It is said that the former President Bush has a soft corner for her.
Like many foreign dignitaries in town for the breakfast, Benazir will also use her visit here to establish contacts with the new Bush administration.
There is all the likelihood that President and Laura Bush might meet her apart from saying ‘hello’ at the prayer meeting. Her meeting with Colin Powell cannot be discounted.
Her theme now is likely to be that she is the only political leader in Pakistan who commands popularity amongst masses and can usher in democracy, reign fundamentalism, sign CTBT, bring in a solution of Kashmir problem and good relations with India.
Event organizers, however declined to provide a list of international VIP participants with the plea that, “We have a policy of not commenting on who is expected to come, because we honestly do not know who is coming until they get here.”
The prayer meeting is one of its kind event in the world, where religious leaders of all faiths and denomination and politicians mingle and pray over breakfast of their choice; meeting continue even after the meeting.
Started in 1942, the National Prayer Breakfast is held by the Fellowship Foundation, a Virginia-based ecumenical evangelical organization that shuns publicity. Run by David Coe, the group is variously described as “covert” and “secretive” in its understated ministry to the world’s political leaders.
According to The Washington Times, “They are exceptionally circumspect to give an opportunity to world leaders to be engaged in enhancing religion in statecraft,” said Russ Spittler, provost dean of academic affairs at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. “It is very quiet, subdued, not hyped at all. An aggressively asserted religious impulse is deadly in politics.”
The event drew almost no media coverage until 1994, when Mother Teresa attended and spoke on abortion. President Clinton drew considerable coverage in 1999, when he attended just after his impeachment.
Stories abound about how Christian leaders who met at the prayer breakfast forged fast friendships that later helped resolve civil conflicts. One example, detailed in the book “Religion: The Missing Dimension of Statecraft,” by Doug Johnston, describes the meeting of Kenyan diplomat Washington Okumu and South African Zulu leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi after one breakfast. As a result, Mr. Okumu’s mediation as a fellow Christian averted a conflict between the Zulus and the African National Congress in post-apartheid South Africa.
But prayer diplomacy is not always successful. Last year, several pro-Israeli Jewish and Christian groups boycotted the event when it became known that Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat would attend.
There is some hope that Rwandan President Paul Kagame and new Congo President Joseph Kabila will be able to meet and pray, leading to a breakthrough in efforts to end their nations’ protracted war, writes The W. Times.
Perhaps, it would have been a good idea if Gen. Musharraf and the Indian Prime Minister could have attended the prayer breakfast, sat on the same table and had discussed their problems threadbare without their experts assisting them; may be next year!

Re: Allah Rakhi and Ras #85

Ras,

As long as this partcular ``Allah Rakhi`` is away from Pakistan`s power corridors (and the current regime has fortunately made sure of that), I have no problems with Miss Bhutto`s cameo appearances abroad.

No matter how much she appeals to the sensibilities of the ``foreign`` people, and begs to be heard, one thing is for sure, her cricketing days in Pakistan are certainly over, after having been clean bowled by the crafty and wiry Musharraf. Like most retired cricketers, she is merely acting as the ``expert opinion`` on political affairs with Pakistan, mostly rubbish however thankfully from the sidelines. No one in his right mind, is allowing her to open the batting for Pakistani evconomics agaian, after all the match fixing and losing her wicket that she has done.

Hence, let me reiterate... for i do love saying it.

``Goodbye Allah Rakhi``.

May she flourishes on the talk circuit, may she gets lots of followers, (even intelligent and compassionate ones like my good buddy Ras), and may she get to finally enjoy the fruits of her labours, which culminated in her lottery worth a cool 2 billion dollars.

Sincerely,

Asim Hayat

P.S Benazir talking with think-tanks!! The irony! :)

Ras Sidd:

I could not resist pointing out the harsh irony in the following news.

Asim: Sorry, had to comment!

Benazir is meeting with the think-tanks? What a joke! How many think tanks flourished during her era? It seems that there is a typo. It CANNOT be a think-tank in any way or shape. That`s an insult to the concept of ``thinking.``

For my good friend Asim:

Ms. Benazir Bhutto Arrives in Washington

LONDON, UK, 30 January 2001 (PPP): Former Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir
Bhutto arrived in Washington, DC on Monday (January 29, 2001) for a visit to the U.S. capital.

She is expected to have a wide range of meetings with thinks-thanks,
members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House, U.S. State Department, PPP USA members, American media and the Pakistani press.

Yesterday, Ms. Benazir Bhutto gave a lengthy interview to the Voice of
America (VOA) on the political and economic situation in South Asia. She discussed the conditions in Afghanistan as well as the imposition of UN/U.S. sanctions on Afghans. The VOA interview was conducted in Urdu and English.

Ms. Benazir Bhutto also gave an interview to Awaz TV, a local Washington area-based half-hour TV program for the Pakistani-American community. She discussed her plans for a democratic movement to establish real democracy in Pakistan and the need for the Pakistani people, like the people of Philippines, to bring about a change of government.

Ms. Bhutto also granted another interview to a widely heard Philadelphia
network.

She met with a delegation of the Sindh Association of North America (SANA), which extended invitation to her to join their annual meeting in July 2001.
They also discussed with her the present situation in Sindh and the lack of
Sindhi representation in the bureaucracy, army and public sector units by
the people of Sindh, the second most populous province of Pakistan.

Ms. Benazir Bhutto also met a delegation of minority rights activists
and assured them that the PPP believed that ``all Pakistanis,
irrespective of their race, religion or gender, should have equal
rights``. She opposed the ban on minorities voting in every precinct and
said this ``amounted to religious apartheid``.

Pakistan Peoples Party (UK) Media Office
www.ppp.org.pk - www.pppuk.com
E-Mail: media@pppuk.com

Asim:

I have written my strong views on an issue under this topic[REGARDING the artist vs their practices]. I want to come back to something that has been bothering me. I think taking it out of the system is the best way of having a clear conscience. There was something that needed to be addressed in my own point, for it was an oversigh! Stay tuned!!!

Later,

Re: adnan:

``to judge a person we shd not make our own standards

we have the quran to guide us``

Try closing your eyes, and using your just conscience, for a change(that is if we have some of it left)! You will see you dont have to rely on anything more basic than your inner voice which will guide you, if you want to be guided about what is right or wrong.

Must we drag religion into every single small thing. That is our severest handicap, we Pakistanis, tend to be a bunch of self righteous angels who can do no harm or wrong, when they throw the book at those who happen to be different from us in any minute detail, be it religion, region, skin tone etc..

We cant think logically without our religious cap on. And if that does not help, we go to simplify our dilemma by going to ulema and asking for ``fatwah``s and to the fortune teller(in no particlular order) who uses ``pigeons to pick up ``faal`` to help our little selves.

No wonder we are lost!or was that our collective conscience!

Sincerely,

Asim

National Accountability Bureau has provided warrants to arrest Benazir Bhutto to all 14 ICs of the country for her alleged corruption , daily Jang has reported.

http://jang-group.com/jang/jan2001-daily/28-01-2001/topst/main1.htm

Goodbye, Allah Rakhi! :)

Asim

May be I agree with you.

The reason is that I myself have been so busy after that particular age that I do not find time time to listen to songs repeatedly (to develop a taste and appreciation).

Since I am not oriented to Punjabi, I have listened the Qawwali of Nusrat Fateh Ali in Urdu. And I found him very moving singer.

I would say that Ghazals of golden period including your famous daughter Farida Khanum, Malka Pukhraj etc (if I am not mistaken) are excellent. But Nahid Niazi`s (probably from Mianwali) ``Ek Baar Bhi Kaho Zara`` I like best among all Ghazals.

I did not have a chance to listen to Daler Mehdi and Arif Lohar but his father Alam Lohar was very good. Similarly some like Allan Faquir, Shehki`s ``Wash Malle`` instead of not understanding their language music and quality of their voice itself is very moving.

Being raised in Pakistan my Engliah Music is restricted to Tina Charles (I think Brown girl in the ring was her song).

Basically I am restricted to repeating old Ghazals and Qawwali these days. Mehdi Hasan has no parrallel as far as I am concerned. But Iqbal Bano has sung good. And not to forget the famous Ustad Amanat Ali Khan. Also single Ghazals which have given popularity to singers like Shokat Ali`s ``Jab Bahar Aae To Sehra Ki Taraf Chal Nikla`` or Asif Ali`s ``Ub Ke Saal Poonam Mein`` or Saleem Raza`s ``Jane Baharan Rashke Chaman Shireen Sukhan Ghuncha Dahan`` etc etc etc.

Your mention of Ata-ullah Esa Khelvi is right on mark. With his peculiar style he sang excellent and I am a great admirer of him.

I have heard that new singers like Reshman are also good. Although lot of good things are written about Pathane Khan but I have heard only one song of his which you mentioned.

There is a very good site and I am sure you know about it I think it is Pakistan Music.com. It is a good site to hear old and gold.

KRashid:

Well, this may be a little more than enlightening :-)so you`ll have to spend a few minutes or so reading it!

[Your taste in music and literature only tells when you were young(general statement)..Moreover to tell you the truth, these young artists you named are considered only hip hop by us (my better half and her worse half) As far as universal artists are concerned, they are ageless and are appreciated by everybody.]

I will tend to disagree[mostly] with your above thoughts :-) I think the regional culture plays an important part here. The hip hop stuff that you are saying is not only hip hop. Daler Mehdi is not only liked for his exuberance, lovely voice, sweet Punjabi lyrical ballads, but it`s the lively spirit he portrays of the culture that is simply killing!I`ve heard him live in a few concerts and it a pleasure to listen to him and the joy he brings to the audience. His masterpiece: Ghulam farid`s kafi

samina#59

I will just repeat wht i wrote before

to judge a person we shd not make our own standards

we have the quran to guide us

go through it

then form ur opinion abt ppl

adnan

Zahra #77

Your taste in music and literature only tells when you were young (general statement).

For example you can judge my age if I say Qawwali of Fareed Qawwal, Songs by Lata, Kishore, Mukesh and Rafi and among Pakistanis Shehki`s ``Wash Malle`` and acting of Amitabh and in Pakistani dramas Firdous Jamal.

When some of old generation of mine used to watch films of young Dilip Kumar, those movies were too slow and boring for me.

Moreover to tell you the truth, these young artists you named are considered only hip hop by us (my better half and her worse half)

As far as universal artists are concerned, they are ageless and are appreciated by everybody.

Krashid:

Are you talking about Yulduz or you are referring to Nur Jehan? This reminds me that you were into Russian arts and literature. Have you heard of Yulduz? Heavenly Uzbek singer? As I mentioned previously, I was never a fan of Late Madame. Well, then I cannot stand Lata, Mukesh, Rafi, Sehgal, Talat Mahmud and this whole clan as well. Sorry could not develop a taste for them, in spite of having a lot of family who loves them like hell. My strong associations lie with Qawwali and Bhangra music, namely Nusrat, Jassi, The king of bhangras - Daler Mehdi and few others of the same clan. As it is a tribute to the Late Madame`, I do not want to bring others. But I could not resist as well :-(


Asim Dear:
Welcome to the club! I am happy that you chose the road less traveled.

:-) :-) :-)

Good Move!

Zahra #70

I thought she was appreciated for her voice also.

But she was also appreciated fully apart from her voice.

Does it put it in proper perspective.

Or is it still male chauvinism.

Re: #74

``You only belong to the sweet feminists` club and that`s it!! Don`t you dare to change your affiliations. Aa`chaa`!! ``

Aye, Aye o` capitano!mio Capitano! :)

Asim

Asim:

You only belong to the sweet feminists` club and that`s it!! Don`t you dare to change your affiliations. Aa`chaa`!!

Take Care

Re: Zahra #72

``Don`t take every comment so personally! OK! Since when have you joined the male chauvinists` club?``

I must admit that i was tempted to reply,...``Ever since you took on the crusade on behalf of the chosen few``, just for the sake of joking... Just as well, i did not say it, and mean it. Phew!!:)

Kidding aside, I do fall victim to such ``generalisations``, not that i am in any way insecure about myself(most modern young men from Pakistan say that too often, which is most embarrasing, so i thought i will try it out once). :) But for the simple reason, thats such open ended verdicts dont serve any purpose save for promoting weak arguments, that`s all!

Take care, and have a fine winter...Ours is becoming rainier by the hour.

Sincerely,

Asim

Asim:

Don`t take every comment so personally! OK! Since when have you joined the male chauvinists` club?

While browsing through an Uzbek singer, Yulduz Usmanova`s[A beautiful singer] selections on Amazon, I was amazed to find nonsense written about her just because she was a liberal woman. Amazon had a short bio on her and kind of highlighted her liberal outlook towards life. It was amazing to read the reviewers reviewing her life and personal choices, in addition to the music, they were supposed to look into. Everyone loved the music, but her lifestyle was condemned.
Somehow reading the interacts on this article reminded me of that nonsense. That was also initiated by ``few`` men and this was as well. It`s the derangement[fine thinking process]. That`s it! I do not need anyone to come and challenge me on that!OK!

On the other hand, this piece is written by a guy as well. So it balances out! Khush?

A musician or a singer has to be appreciated for their talent and not for their religious affiliations and/or practices. If that is the thought process you entertain, then you are in a wrong circle. My view!

Take it easy,

``This mental derangement exists in the heads of many.[men, in particular]``

I could not help noticing the implicit generalisation within the above statement.

Was that intentional, Zahraji :), or am i becoming delusional in my old age?. Okay, you dont have to answer that. Rhetorical, right!

I trust you are sticking to your new year resolutions. I have already compromised one of mine, the ones about being nice to people on Chowk, specially Pakistanis.:)

Asim

Samina:

Very Well Said! This mental derangement exists in the heads of many.[men, in particular]. An artist or musician should be recognized and appreciated for his/her talent. I am sure no one ever heard Nur Jehan as a religious leader or an imam of some lushkar!

Sorry, I was never a fan.
May God rest her soul in peace (Amin)!

Take Care,

``One of these days I will write an article in praise of Benazir Bhutto just for you on CHOWK. She is still head and shoulders above many a political figure in Pakistan.

She is still head and shoulders above many a political figure in Pakistan.``

Ras Bhai,

main to muzaaq kar raha tha. :) Chalein aap likhay gey to mein zaroor parhoun ga. Promise! I do so want to be ``educated`` about great people!

Thank you for sharing an exceptionally well written/touching article about the immortal Madam Noorjehan. She does indeed need to be remembered

Sincerely,

Asim

P.S Aur hanh KGS ka koeey zikr nahin hoga yahan :)

Has anyone heard Madam`s song ``Chandnee Raatein ``[from the film Koel]?It had not been mentioned so far, and i count it amongst her golden hits !

Regards,

Shirin

Reply #: 66 FARANGI_KUSH

Reply # 63 MQ_RAHAT

Reply #: 65 mohajir

``India institutes special award to remember NoorJehan``

Reply #: 64 SameerJB

Reply #: 62 RoohiAD

I want to thank all of these people above for doing justice to Noor Jahan`s Legacy. Especially MQ_Rahatand RoohiAD for combining both literary presentation and emotive feelings in their writing here which I may not have succeeded in getting across in my article.
I also wanted to thank Shirin and others who were
able to fill in many blanks here.


On another topic:
RE: Reply # 61 Asim Hayat:
``OOps! I started off thinking that it was going to be an ode to the deposed Islamic, first Woman PM of Pakistan. :)``

One of these days I will write an article in praise of Benazir Bhutto just for you on CHOWK. She is still head and shoulders above many a political figure in Pakistan.

And finally # 58 Adnan_420:

???? and ?

Ras

MQ_RAHAT:#63

Thank you for an informative & pithy post.Could you also elucidate the music of Sajjad especially with `Badnaam...` in mind.Also please comment on the maighdoot by Kh.Khurshid Anwar.

I am looking for the recordings of Jalaal Chaandio....another luminary who left us this month.

__________________________________________________

wassalaam

India institutes special award to remember NoorJehan

http://www.expressindia.com/news/daily/20010120/02005401.htm

Mumbai, January 20: In a star-studded evening, Hrithik Roshan, Tabu and Rakesh Roshan won recognition for their performances in the year 2000 at the prestigious Screen Awards ceremony earlier on Saturday. This year`s awards coincided with 50 years of Screen in print.

The function, held at Mumbai`s Andheri sports complex, was graced by performances by superstars like Shah Rukh Khan, Anil Kapur, Aishwarya Rai, Madhuri Dixit, Urmila Matondkar, Akshay Kumar, Akshaye Khanna, Sonali Bendre and Rani Mukherji among others.

Saturday`s awards function was attended by the biggest and best stars in the film industry of this country, including Hrithik Roshan, Rekha, Anupam Kher, Amrish Puri, Shah Rukh Khan, Sridevi, Shabana Azmi and several others.

A special award to commemorate renowned playback singer Noor Jehan, who died recently in Pakistan, was also instituted. Lata Mangeshkar, the first person to the get this award, paid an emotional tribute to the Mallika-e-Tarranum. The Lifetime Achievement award went to Pran.

RoohiAD and MQ_Rahat: Welcome back after a long absence. It would be nice to have you two, Zeemax and Gnostic back recreating the good old days of ``He Had No Choice``. The hard hitting political debate about Pakistan`s fleeting dejavu with now extinct species called democracy was the liveliest.

For me, two songs, Awaz de kahaN hay and Mujh se pehli si mohabbat......`` are more then enough to cherish the memories of Noor Jahan. There is another great singer languishing in obscurity right now and once she leaved this abode, people will be writing praises in her memory. Here is an excerpt from an article by Saeed Malik.

Vocalist Shamshad Begum, whose sparkling melodies used to cast hypnotic spells on music buffs and movie-goers some 35 years ago, in now languishing in the murk of obscurity in a Bombay suburb. Forgotten by the movie moghuls, composers and cine-goers, the septuagenarian crooner is spending the evening of her life almost unnoticed.

Shamshad Begum ruled the roost, first at Lahore and later at Bombay, when Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle were not even introduced in the filmworld. She was the first female singer who assumed the status of a legend during her lifetime. With the help of her highly individualistic and charisma sonic personality, glow and a certain vivacity in her voice, she became the most sought-after female playback singer in the late 30s, 40s and 50s.

It was on Dec 16, 1937, when radio made its debut from Lahore and so did Shamshad Begum. Singing solos and duets with Umrazia Begum (who later became Mrs. Ghulam Haider),the Amritsar-born Shamshad Begum captivated the hearts of listeners with the enchanting depth of her voice which then had no parallel.

A few words - in tribute to the greatest of all singers, Melody Queen Noor Jehan`s. I take this opportunity to present some of her exceptional professional qualities as a singer reflected in her works.

Noor Jahan had a strong voice representing the openness, strength and extroversion of the Punjab. Noor Jahan mostly sang in ``Ragi`` meaning that she strains her vocal cords, thus rendering her voice an artist artificiality. But here is the difference which makes Noor Jahan more varied, more novel and more versatile. And this shortcoming of ``Ragi`` , if it is, in any way a shortcoming, has turned into a real ``something`` in her throat. She is able to change, vary, strain, snap, twist and swing her vocal cords according to the demand of the song. Noor Jahan`s God-gifted capability to strain her vocal cords wherever and whenever she desired, had really made her a unique artist. Even in Alaps (prelude modulation), Taans (a stretched key note), Pulteys (Turned-over modulation) and Murkis (sudden metrical zigzag), she was able to produce variety. All the great master musicians like: queen of music Roshan Ara Begum, Amanat Ali Khan, Fateh Ali Khan, Nazakat Ali Khan, Salamat Ali Khan, Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Barkat Ali Khan and Nazar Hussain Shami paid rich tributes to Noor Jahan`s versatility. When Noor Jahan rendered ``Murkis`` even the great Ustads like Bundoo Khan Sarangi player, Abdul Aziz Khan flute player, Fateh Ali Khan Sitar player etc had to be extra careful in following the rise and fall of her voice.Noor Jahan was also able to produce the effects of deep sorrow. In her song: Jo Bacha Tha Woh Lutaney Key Liyay Aai Hain/Akhri Geet Sonaney Key Liyay Aai Hain -- while she alaps a couplet in alto as prelude to the song, she is able to produce the heart-rending effects of a last-cry of a dying beloved. In a non-filmi song, Aey Putar Hataein tey nahin wikday, she alaps as she starts the song and commmunicates the heart felt sorrowness of a mother, wife and a sister who lost their loved ones in a war, and then renders the lyrics with deep sorrow and yet an expression of strong will, scarifice and condolence; this song is a miracle inworld of music. Similar is the song: Jeo Dhola, Jeo Dhola/Tut Gai Aj Hunjwan Di Mala/Ghar Aya Naeen Karmanwala/ Kher Howay Shala/Jeo Dhola. Her songs in the film Anarkali bear out Noor Jahan`s novelty, diversity, versatility and maturity of the heighest rank. In the song: Banvari Chakori Karay Dunya Sey Chori Chori/Chanda Sey Peyar, the artistic Murkis in the song will always be alive for all future singers as model. Noor Jahan seems to be capable of giving effect of lurking sadness in the song: Aa Bhi Ja/Aa Bhi Ja/Dekh Aa Kar Zara/Mujh Pey Guzri Hae Keya/Teray Peyar Main -- and Sayyoo Ni Meray Dil Da Jani/La Key Neon Tor Gaya Jay/Sayyo Ni Merey Dil Da Jani.Noor Jahan is capable of producing atmospheric effects with the help of her ``Ragi``. In the song: Rim Jhim, Rim Jhim Parey Phowar/Tera Mera Nit Ka Peyar/--, it seems that it is drizling, outside when she is singing In the song: Sikhre Dopahri Piplee Dey Thaley/Mein Chankayan Wangaa -- Noor Jahan`s voice also contributes to the situation. The hearer himself feels the scorch of the mid-summer long blazing noon. Even the chink of the bangles can be felt in the throat of Noor Jahan. Her song: Sadey Ghar Aai Barjhai/Lakhan Khushian Naal Leai -- denotes general and collective happiness in bride-groom`s house full of near relatives. Here she pronounces the word ``Bharjai`` instead of ``Parjhai`` making one of the multi-faceted differences. In the song: Aj Qaidi Kar Liya Mahi Nooh/Main Chaj Patashay Wandan -- she communicates full-blooded happiness. When she gives alaps and skrill-shouts in between the Asthai (first verse) and the Antra (the following verses), she is able to produce the heightened happy effects in the song. Noor Jahan while in the songs: Sanoo Nehar Waley Pul Tey Bula Key/Khawray Mahi Kithey Rah Geya/-- and Lat Uljhi Suljha Ja Rey Balam/Main Na Lagaoon Gi Hath Rey -- she is pert and coquettish, but she is equally able to communicate the contrary feelings of dire hopelessness and total disappointment in the songs: Ja Apni Hasratoon Pey/Ansoo Baha Key So Ja -- Zinda Hain Kitney Loag Muhabbat Keyay Baghair/Hum Sey Badal Geya Woh Nigahain Tu Keya Howa -- . In the songs: Yar Sadqey, Dildar Sadqey-- and Tum Jug Jug Jeo Maharaj Rey/Hum Teri Nagarya Mein Aaey -- she seems to be in the state of trance. She takes the audience to the height where they feels dissolved into her song. Lata, herself, a number of times, has recognised and acclaimed this novel quality of Noor Jahan`s voice. It may seem to be a settled fact that, doubtless, Late is greater than any of her contemporaries yet Noor Jahan is the greatest.

Mortality is part of the package that brings us into this world and all of us have to taste it sooner or later. But there are some of us who make such distinguished legacies of their lives and leave behind indelible footprints that it becomes difficult to accept their death. The Great Melody Queen was one such person. To all of us she was an image, an epitome and embodiment of many a spirit put together; from an enchantress of ghazals and geets, to highly skilled classical recitalist; from patriotic Milli Naghmas soloist, who could put spirit back into a dying soldier, to a nightingale whose trills in the joyous notes of her songs made the young and the old sway alike.Her clock stopped ticking; the sun has shone its last over her; her world has come to an end, but she leaves behind a saga unmatched, written on the hearts and souls of the people universally. May God give her a place in the highest realms of heaven for she was adorable to those who knew her; fragrance to those who passed by her; and a teardrop to those who heard her poignant melodies when sad! I wish to conclude my sentiments for her with one of the scores of her songs I have adored all my life: Meri zindagi hae naghma, meri zindagi tarana Mae sada-e-zindagi hoon, mujhay dhoond lay zamana Noor Jahan and Lata Mangeshkar

Re: Goodbye Allah Rakhi.

OOps! I started off thinking that it was going to be an ode to the deposed Islamic, first Woman PM of Pakistan. :)

Sameena:#59

Thank you.

If you care then please read the homage I paid to her on December 24,on the Mandir Mirage board,reply # 476.(All others welcome too).

Click previous 10 on the top right hand corner of this page & pull down the mandir mirage board.see replies.

__________________________________________________

wassalaam

yeah right

the hammod ur rehman commission report has exposed the MADAM for all she was

that and only that is her legacy

do u seriously think we should applaud THAT

again i appeal to all muslims to at least read the quran once and understand the commands of allah

islam is what allah has said and not what we want to beleive in

Thank u for a very well written article .. i met Madam Noor jahan at a wedding once... her pithy humour had us all in stitches ... there were no `holy cows` as far as she was concerned...but then, she was one of a kind and knew it!...:)

For those interested, one from the CHOWK archives
on the Noor Jahan-Lata Mangeshkar subject at:

http://www.chowk.com/bin/showa.cgi?rsiddiqui_oct2198

Ras

Thank you Sameer JB for the link.I have enjoyed browsing the historic site very much. Have bookmarked it,and will truly enjoy the details in it .

I thank you for the gesture and going that extra mile !its been highly appreciated .

Shirin

Thank you Sameer, for the link. I did surface it , and found it very historic ! have not read it fully yet, but the parts i have , were truly good reading .I have bookmarked it, to be able to access it easily whenever i get the chance to sit and log in at length.

Thanks for going the extra mile , and posting the link.I do appreciate the gesture very much.

Shirin

Shirin Ahmed: The four part article I mentioned in my previous post is accessible from:

http://www-users.cs.umn.edu/

Shirin Ahmed: mohajir posted the following links in post #10. They are one of the best articles about Noor Jahan-Lata comparison.

Lata Mangeshkar and Noor Jehan - Parallel Lines Meet

http://www.geocities.com/

Offstage, Madam Noor Jahan was less than exemplarary to say the least. She was among the favorites of General Yahya Khan in 1971 when the latter was drinking and fornicating his country to partition and worse.

Thank you very much Masd for the link. Needless to say how much i have enjoyed it!

God bless this modern highway of communication , which makes so many precious things possible ! :)

Shirin Ahmed

ylh #43

I agree with you that it is foolish to question Noor Jahan`s credentials as a Pakistani. The motivation to do so is not difficult to understand. It is the same as the one that leads some people (you included?) to question India`s credentials as an ancient civilization!

Some people prefer to focus on only those facts that fit their narrow agenda.

Thank you Masd for the link , and God bless this modern highway of technology for making it possible ! :)

Shirin

Mohajir #9

Noorjehan was born in Kasur, now part of Pakistan. The same Kasur, which produced a lot of lofty figures and celebrities.

scout #16

I agree to disagree.

Inspite of not understanding Punjabi properly by me, some of her Punjabi songs are very good like Jio Dhola, Jaddon Hali Gai. (with apology if I misspell)

Scout #29

As as not to make them god.

Their humanity is depicted by infidelity:-) in show business. Otherwise we follow them like god.

Vineet #30

Her choice proved right.

I am still at odds to understand why people like Vineet are hellbent on questioning Nur Jehan`s credentials as a Pakistani. If the only reason she came to Pakistan, why didnt she move back and why did she later on become Pakistan`s most famous frontline singer.

Nur Jehan lived barely a mile and half away from my house, in that Liberty Roundabout in Lahore. Anybody who had met the late singer, knew how patriotic she was.

Now can we leave India-Pakistan conflict behind in this issue, and recognize that Music knows no boundries?

Yasser Hamdani

madam`s songs can be listened at the following link

http://www.pakmusicbeat.com.pk/noorjehan.html

Unfortunately staying in the west , esp. a small town living , where the privelage of Pakistani / Indian culture is practically non existent , i have really enjoyed reading this article .For me ,it surely has been a trip down memory lane !

I had the lovely opportunity of watching Noor Jahan sing alive , in my home country Pakistan , so this discussion has been even more sentimental for me .

Thank you Ras for such a great production . I have perhaps been more engrossed reading it , than you writing it ! if possible .

Thank you everyone for added information , in your own different ways .It has truly been appreciated !

P.S. does anyone know of any site on the internet where we can hear some of Noor Jahan`s songs? I know of a few , but none of them unfortunately have contributions from our nightingale !

Shirin

Thanks Ali1 for posting the tribute from TFT.
The article is vintage Khalid Hasan and the subject comes more to life in it (Noor Jahan)then any writing that I could attempt.
And after reading this article from the Friday Times, all I can say is that my respect for her continues to grow.

Ras

Ras sahib,

the url is http://thefridaytimes.hypermart.net/

here is the article:

Malika-e-Tarannum Nur Jehan

1926-2000



by Khalid Hasan







Madam Nur Jehan, the melody queen who reigns over our hearts in death as much as in life, died in Karachi on December 23, 2000. When about twelve years ago, she was diagnosed with a heart ailment, some of us who have been her fans for as long as we can remember said it would have to be the heart, considering how many claimants it had had and how often it had fluttered for those on whom she chose to smile.

We always believed Nur Jehan, the light of the world, to be indestructible like the music she brought into our lives. Madam Nur Jehan had total recall about her early life. She remembered being carried as a child of 8 by her father Madad Ali through the streets of Kasur. She said she could not remember when she had started singing. ``Maybe I was born singing,`` she added, laughing her silvery laugh. From Kasur, the family went to Calcutta, then to Bombay and back to Lahore, only to return to Bombay. It was during those early years that she met the debonair Shaukat Hussain Rizvi with whom she first lived, then married. Her first child was born, she reminisced, when she was no more than a ``bacha`` herself. She was 15.

For a woman who was women`s lib before there was a women`s lib, Nur Jehan was conservative. Her views on women were surprisingly old fashioned, or perhaps cynical, which was strange, coming from a woman who had lived life on her own terms. She once told me, ``I am Nur Jehan because I have worked hard to become Nur Jehan. I do not owe it to anyone, least of all men. If a woman works, what does she get at the end of the day? The only peace she knows is within the four walls of her home. Who can work harder than I have? And what peace, I ask you, have I known? Once the husband realises that his wife can earn more than him, he begins to hate her. He wants her to be dependent on him. Only if a woman is entirely dependent on her husband can she hope to make a home``.

The director Shaukat Hussain Rizvi whom she married after a turbulent love affair in Lahore and Bombay ``and divorced some years after they came to Pakistan `` wrote a book about her. Rizvi, who died some years ago, and whom Saadat Hasan Manto once described as a man with the mind of a watchmaker, may have settled his emotional scores with his former wife but he did not come out smelling very nice from his bitter account of their life together. Madam never responded in kind, certainly not as far as I know. Privately, she must have had choice things to say about him because when provoked, she could out-swear a roomful of diehard Punjab police thanedars.

Rizvi`s account was unrelieved by humour or the intense love he had felt for her once. It was a little late in the day for him to regret having fallen in love with the fledgling enchantress from Kasur with a voice like molten silver. He made repeated mention of the advice given to him by studio owner and film maker Dilsukh Pancholi of Lahore, ``Shaukat, let this affair with Nur Jehan remain what it is, an affair. Don`t carry it further``. But Rizvi was besotted with the pubescent, flirtatious girl whose musical talent was prodigious and whose ambition to succeed the size of the rolling Punjabi countryside she had sprung from.

Rizvi`s book was made up of a string of allegations against the woman who was to bear him three children: Akbar, Asghar and Zil-e-Huma. He felt no compunction in berating Nur Jehan`s name and reputation, whining that she had betrayed him time after time. Men, he wrote, were in and out of her life almost from the first day of their marriage. He tried to portray himself as the long-suffering husband who had borne the infidelities of his wife with stoic heroism. What he did not say was that he was no angel himself and there were more women in his life than he had the courage to admit.

He said he had continued the marriage ``for the sake of the children``, an argument that lacks credibility. If the marriage was as bad as he said it was and Nur Jehan such an awful mother, then it would have been better for the children if it had ended. Those who knew Madam will stand witness to the great love she always bore her children. Akbar, in particular, she always doted on. He was her weakness and could make her do anything.

In Rizvi`s small-minded and partisan account of their life together, not once did he acknowledge Nur Jehan`s musical genius. Madam was an extraordinary woman whose virtues and failings by the very nature of her greatness remained extraordinary. Women like Nur Jehan cannot be judged by standards applicable to lesser human beings. She may have been avaricious, insecure and possessive but she was always capable of great generosity. All her life, she took care of her family, never forgetting her less than fortunate beginnings.

Nur Jehan led her life with great self-confidence and much grace. What is more, in a man`s world, she did so on her own terms. I once asked her why she was sometimes accused of being insensitive to her admirers. ``I am invited to someone`s home, say for dinner, and after everyone has eaten, I am asked if I would sing a song. And I say I won`t because I have come to dine not to sing. If I said yes, it would be unprofessional. I have tried to maintain the grace and dignity of my profession``.

Madam`s liaisons were part of her legend. Did someone ever directly ask her about them? One person whom I can name who did indeed ask her was Raja Tajammul Hussain. ``All half truths,`` she had told him. ``Then let`s have some half truths,`` he ventured, ``the serious half truths, that is``. She was in one of her throwaway moods and she said, ``All right then,`` and began to pull out names from her photographic memory. After a few minutes, she asked Tajammul, ``And how many do you have?`` ``Sixteen so far``, Tajammul replied with a straight face. Her response in Punjabi remains a Nur Jehan classic. ``Hai Allah! Na na kardian wi solan ho gai nain!``

Madam was a lady who was better not crossed, especially by other ladies. People tended to forget that there was only one Madam Nur Jehan and the rest was detail. Madam had a famous run-in with Musarrat Nazir in 1988. Madam was not exactly thrilled that Ms Nazir should have scored one of the biggest popular hits in living memory with the song ``Mera laung gavacha``. Madam got so tired of everyone raving about ``Laung gavacha`` that she recorded her version of the song which sank without trace, much to her chagrin. When I asked her why she had done that, she told me, ``Everyone came to me and said if I did not sing the song, there would be bloodshed in Bari Studios``. I have now forgotten why there was going to be bloodshed in Bari Studio, Lahore, though Madam did at the time explain to my full satisfaction why. I remember asking her if she was envious of the success of Ms Nazir. ``Envious!`` she had replied, her voice full of derision, ``I can only feel envious of a singer, but Musarrat...?`` she had left the sentence hanging in the air. Vintage Madam!

When some time later, I asked Musarrat in Toronto what had happened, she swore to me that when she was in Lahore, messages had been conveyed to her on Madam`s behalf that if she did not return to wherever she had come from on the very same pair of feet that had brought her to Lahore, the consequences would not be pleasant. Even black magic (which Shaukat Hussain Rizvi said Madam was adept at) was mentioned.

I first met Madam Nur Jehan in 1967 when she was going through a messy divorce with Ijaz, an actor with no talent, except perhaps his looks, whom she had married some years earlier and whose film career she had helped build. Three daughters and many infidelities later, it was over. During those days, I saw a good deal of her. Always smitten with her voice, I came to admire her sharp intellect, her puckish sense of humour and her insight into life.

``He was never anything but trash,`` I remember her saying of Ijaz. Years later, when Ijaz was picked up at Heathrow airport, London, with a cache of narcotics concealed in film cans, tried and sentenced to four years in the clinker, it was Nur Jehan who came to his help. She paid lawyers` fees which were considerable, and this despite her reputation for being tight-fisted. The man who had let her down and left her to raise three daughters, she helped generously in his adversity. That was a side of Nur Jehan which was not commonly known.

I remember my first meeting with Madam as if it was yesterday though it is now more than thirty years since I first set eyes on her. I was doing a story on her divorce for The Pakistan Times for which I was then a reporter. I was taken to the living room which was small but very proper with Madam`s awards sitting in a glass cabinet. Tea came first on an elegant silver tray. A few minutes later, Madam appeared. She looked stunning in a white sari. She wore diamonds in her fingers and her golden bracelets jangled as she made a cup of tea for me.

I asked her if she always wore white. ``When I came to the film industry at the old Pancholi studio in Lahore, I was very young and uncertain of myself``, she said. ``On my first or second day on the set, I was struck by a tall, elegant woman, who wore a shimmering white sari. She looked so graceful. She came often and whenever I saw her, she was always in white. She wore nothing else. She looked so good, so much at ease, so much at peace with herself and the world``. What her name was Madam did not tell me. I had a feeling she was some producer or director`s mistress. ``From that day on, I have worn white. I am a hoarder of clothes and jewelry and I have so much of both that it is sometimes years before I get to wear the same sari. I do wear colours sometimes, but white it is that is my colour``.

She talked about Ijaz and said she had really loved him when they married. He was a nobody, a bit of a boy from Gujrat whom she had taken under her wing. She admitted that she had been in a few relationships since Shaukat Rizvi but they had left her unhappy and dissatisfied. Emotionally, she had been adrift. ``I have to be intensely involved in a man, otherwise I cannot sing. My music abandons me``. She said she had helped launched Ijaz`s career. Ijaz, his head swollen by success, had begun to drift away from her. He had even hit her on a couple of occasions, but what had broken the marriage was his almost public affair with the actress Firdaus whom Nur Jehan called ``common``. She predicted that the Ijaz-Firdaus thing would end in disaster. Madam was right. It did.

Ijaz, she said, had begun to play around with extras and starlets, most of them from ``the area``. As time passed, his escapades became more and more indiscreet. ``I have been around long enough to know that all men like to play around. A wise woman accepts this and lives with it. But there is one condition which must never be violated. The philandering husband must conduct his liaisons with discretion. He must not flaunt his lechery``. She told me where she had ``drawn the line`` although she had known about the affair Ijaz was having with Firdaus. ``Every evening he would drive in front of our home with that woman sitting next to him. He would stop the car briefly, honk a couple of times and then move on. I told him that was where he got off. `Pack your bags and get out.` I said, and that was that``.

She said people often asked her how old she was. ``I have the experience of a hundred year old woman`` she said. What sort of men did she like? Would she name someone she found irresistible? ``Yes,`` she smiled, ``That American actor in the movie `Ben Hur```. ``Charlton Heston,`` I replied. ``That`s the sort of man I like,`` she had said.

``Tell me more about men,`` I asked her. She smiled coquettishly, threw her head back and laughed. She said in Punjabi, ``Jadon mein koi sohna banda takni aan te mainoon khud bud shooroo ho jandi ai``. One of Madam`s most celebrated affairs was with the late Nazar Muhammad, Pakistan`s stylish opening batsman whose career ended at its height because in a house of assignation where he was with Nur Jehan, Shaukat Rizvi`s goons had burst in and would have killed or injured him if he had not jumped from a window and escaped. Unfortunately, he broke his arm and the local bone man, a ``pehlwan`` from the old city set it wrong. It is one of the great tragedies of Pakistani cricket that Nazar who scored the first century for Pakistan in an official test match was never able to play again.

The late Naseer Anwar once told me a lovely story about Nur Jehan. It was the late thirties and the city was Lahore. The devotees of a local pir had arranged a special ``mehfil-e-sama``. At some point in the evening, a little girl was brought in who proceeded to dance and sing. ``Sing us something in Punjabi, little daughter,`` the Pir said to her. She immediately launched into a Punjabi folk song one of whose lines went something like: may the kite of this land of five rivers touch the skies. As she belted this out in that amazing voice, the pir went into a trance. Then he got up, put his hand on the girl`s head and prophesied, ``go forth, little girl, for your kite will one day touch the skies``. How we have regressed as time has passed was brought home to me some time in the late seventies when a mullah in Lahore issued a fatwa against Nur Jehan, declaring her ``outside the pale of Islam for having said that music was a form of worship``.

Nur Jehan once said to me, ``it is all a gift from God, that is what it is. When I begin to sing, the voice which leaves my throat is not my voice. It is not my speaking voice. I do not know what happens. Something takes over, a spirit, the grace of God, something I can`t explain. I sing but it is not I who am singing. I feel I am not there in person, in a physical sense. It is a strange, other-worldly feeling. It is gift with which I have been blessed. That is my faith and I feel its truth in the innermost recesses of my being.``

Nur Jehan made her first films in Lahore at the Pancholi studio, either ``Yamla Jat`` or ``Gul Bakaoli``. She was then Baby Nur Jehan. She also used to sing from the Lahore station of the All India Radio. Her song ``Shala jawanian manay`` was a big hit. Her fame spread quickly. The breakthrough came with Shaukat Hussain Rizvi`s ``Khandaan`` which was made in Lahore. This was followed by ``Zeenat``. Everyone remembers the famous qawwali, the first one recorded in female voices, in which Nur Jehan`s voice rose above all others, including Zohra Bai Ambalaywali`s and Amir Karnatki`s, like a leaping flame. The words by Naushad: ``Ahain na bhareen, shikway na kiye``

Nur Jehan left Lahore around 1940, traveled to Bombay via Calcutta and was taken under the wing of the resourceful film director and producer Nizami who had created many stars. She starred in a big, all India hit called ``Panna`` whose song with the refrain ``Kali ghata chhai re papi`` became wildly popular. It was Nizami who got Nur Jehan her first big break in Bombay with the producer Seth V. M. Vyas who chose Rizvi to direct his movie, little knowing that he would make away with the star of the film, the young Punjabi nightingale Nur Jehan.

In Bombay Nur Jehan made one hit after another including ``Bari Maan``, ``Dost`` and ``Gaon ki gori``, the last starring the young Lahore born actor Nazir who was to marry Swaran Lata, the heroine of the all time musical blockbuster ``Ratan``. Nur Jehan`s last film in India was ``Jugnu`` which launched the legendary Dilip Kumar. The music by Feroz Nizami was a smash, including hits like ``Aaj ki raat``. The film also made Muhammad Rafi famous. His duet with Nur Jehan ``Yahan badla wafa ka bewafai ke siva kaya hai`` was an all India sensation. Another distinguishing feature of the movie in which Nur Jehan played a college girl who dies of consumption and unrequited love was a song by Roshan Ara Begum: ``Des ki pur kaif rangeen si fizaon mein kahin``. The movie climaxed the career of Shaukat Hussain Rizvi who was never to equal that success.

Nur Jehan was a woman of great intelligence and wit. During the 1965 war, when Sufi Ghulam Mustafa Tabussum wrote a special song for her, one among many celebrating her ``sona shehr Kasur`` he proposed that they both travel to the town from which she hailed. What Nur Jehan said to Sufi sahib remains a classic. The flavour of her words can only be conveyed in the Punjabi that she used, ``Sufi ji, othhay hawai hamla ho gia te doojay din mein te tussi dowein malbe thale dabbey labbey, te mein te kisay noon moonh vikhaan jogi nahin rawan gi``. With regular air raids over Kasur, how will I show my face to the world if you and I are found buried together under debris?

Immediately after the breakup of Pakistan in 1971 , there was a sustained campaign against Nur Jehan for her ``amorous`` links with General Yahya Khan. While it is true that he was fond of her company, the salacious stories circulated about their relationship had little basis in fact. Yahya enjoyed good company, and there was no better company than Madam. She used to call him ``sarkar``, she once told me. There was one song he was particularly fond of and one she sang for him, ``Saiyo ni mera mahi merey bhag jagawan aa gya``. Once Yahya Khan said to General Hamid, his friend and evening companion, ``Ham, if I were to make Nuri Chief of Staff, I tell you she would do a damn better job of it than the lot of you put together``. I asked Nur Jehan about Yahya Khan and she said, ``He was a gentleman; kind, humorous and very human. I had tremendous respect for him. I sang at his son Ali`s wedding``.

Which amongst her songs was her favourite? ``They are like my children. How can I differentiate between them?`` she had said but when I insisted, she thought long and hard and replied, ``Badnam mohabat kaun kare`` from the pre-1947 movie ``Dost``. She said it was composed by that finicky perfectionist, Sajjad. This is really true and if you do not believe it, try to hum one of Sajjad`s songs, say ``darshan pyasi, aayi dasi`` or ``Aaj merey naseeb nain, mujh ko rulla rulla diya``.

You would have had to be Madam herself to render all the ``surits`` and nuances that he put into even the simplest composition. I once begged Madam to hum that song for me and she smiled and relented. She sang it, sitting in her living room, her eyes half shut, looking almost transported. That is one magic moment I will never forget.

Madam Nur Jehan was a great woman and a great artist. And now the gods have made her immortal, like her music. She was the toast of India when Pakistan and India were one country. She chose to come to Pakistan because this was where her heart lay. The little town of Kasur where she was born in the 1920s always remained close to her, and Lahore was the city she loved. One of her great regrets when she fell ill in Karachi was that her doctors would not let her travel to Lahore.

Malika-e-Tarannum Nur Jehan stands dignified in death as in life, mourned by millions and remembered with love. She was truly blessed because the devotion that people feel for her is denied by God to all but the elect. ``Avaaz day kahan hai...``

RE: Ali1 # 28

Could you please paste Khalid Hasan`s full article here because I have been trying to locate
The Friday Times website for 2 days now with no luck. I do not believe they would mind.
I do not want to miss Khalid Hasan`s tribute to
The Melody Queen.

Thanks

Ras

Anyone know if the Friday Times URL has changed?

SameerJB

I am positive that `jadon holi jai...` was tanvir naqvi`s creation. The composition was Rashid Atre I think and not Khurshid Anwar, although I am not sure.

DAM DA KEE BHAROSA!

Thanks Mr.Siddiqui for your admiration of Madem`s great contribution to our country, she surely deserves it. U have rightly told our young desi kids who have become fascinated with today`s `disposable` singers that such a great talent was our Madem Noor Jahan that she governed the hearts of a number of generations. She was not only a wonderful singer but an astonishing beauty queen too. The song u mentioned is a ghazal of Faiz Ahmed Faiz,it sure is best one of Madem. Madem was such a brave lady that she sang this ghazal in a mehfil in which Ayub Khan,President of Pakistan was chief guest and at the same time, Faiz Sb was in Jail for Rawalpindi Conspiracy case. No one can think of such a `be-adbi`(dishonor) but Madem did`nt care.Faiz Sb was so impressed that he attributed this ghazal to Madem. On Madem`s death, so many celebrities and great artists admired Madem`s contribution to music industry but Lata Mangeshkar`s remarks are more than anything.

De mortuis nil nisi bonum

My sincere apologies for addressing with wrong names and post # in my previous submission. It was meant as a reply to ``Scouts ``, posting no 29 .

since i am still getting the hang of this forum, which is a relatively new one for me , please disegard the earlier post as a typo error!

Thank you,

Shirin

Ali1: Are you sure about ``jadon holi jai lena........`` being the creation of Tanveer Naqvi, Khurshid Anwar and Noor Jahan. Somehow I have the feeling that this one came after than Khurshid Anwar`s retirement (or death). I may be wrong. I think the song, ``awaz de kahan he`` was also written by Tanveer Naqvi.

Anyway, the tunes of this song were copied in one Indian song. It was written and sung by Anand Bakhshi, ``BaghoN maiN bahar ayee, phooloN pe nikhar ayee-aa ja, aa ja mere raja.``

Your choice is good. Mine would definitely include, jeo dhola, eh put`r hattan te naeeN wikde and songs from movie Heer Ranjha.

Ali ,

In reply to your post #28, may i take the liberty of replying to your query , whether a male artist , would be spared from personal attacks on his private life,while paying a tribute, with the reference you have made to ``Amitabh Bachaan`s `` infidelities.

Well to sum up the answer in just a few simple words, let me say, that appreciating ``Good Talent or Art`` in any form , is by no means Gender Bias, and the same rules of respect, Honour , and appreciation should be clearly be bestowed on anyone , regardles of the sex, or caste .

I also think the GoP did not give Madam the kind of tribute she deserved after her death. Something symbolic like flying the flag half mast for some hours or a day of mourning would have been befitting a woman who so tirelessly worked for the jawans in 1965. Had she died in 1967 for example would she not have received the kind of honour I am talking abt? If Lata were to die (I sincerely sincerely hope not) do you not think India would pay her a more befitting tribute?

It is said Noor Jehan would have stayed back in India had not her then husband moved. Her husband Mr. Rizvi who she divorced later chose to move to Lahore so Noor had not much choice.

ali #28,

Since I don`t understand Punjabi too well, I can`t appreciate her Punjabi songs. I`m sure many of them were just as good as the Urdu ones.

I agree with you about the stupidity of bringing her personal life into her tribute. It`s truly pathetic.

But I wonder, had a man passed away, would we bring up his past affairs with women into his tribute?

As far as show business, the most respected actor in Bollywood, Amitabh Bachan, is notorious for his affairs (back in the eighties I believe). But we still respect him for his talent.

Why even bring bother to bring out the morals of people in show business?

RE: scott # 16

[``Although I didn`t quite appreciate the quality of her Punjabi songs, it was the Urdu songs that made me a fan, especially, ``mujsay pehli si mohabbat meray mehboob na maang.``]

Noor Jehan, Kh. Khurshid Anwar and Tanvir Naqvi together created probably the best Punjabi songs ever. Tanvir introduced the ``latafat`` and ``nazakat`` of Urdu peotry, and that too of the Lucknow school into Punjabi filmi songs.......check out ``JadoN holi jai laynaiN mera naaN, mein thaaN mar janiyaN``. Madam`s Punjabi songs of the 80s are not the same quality. However, even these have been plagiarized by the Indians.

The pathetic criticism of her personal life brought tears to my eyes. Qazi Hussain, when asked to comment on her affair with Yahya Khan said ``No, comments. It is between her and God now, and He judges the best.`` Well said Qazi Sahib. I wish some of these self appointed judges can understand this.

Here is a quote from ``Malika-e-Tarrannum Noor Jehan 1926-2000`` by Khalid Hasan in the current issue of Friday Times.

[Madam`s liaisons were part of her legend. Did someone ever directly ask her about them? One person whom I can name who did indeed ask her was Raja Tajammul Hussain. ``All half truths,`` she had told him. ``Then let`s have some half truths,`` he ventured, ``the serious half truths, that is``. She was in one of her throwaway moods and she said, ``All right then,`` and began to pull out names from her photographic memory. After a few minutes, she asked Tajammul, ``And how many do you have?`` ``Sixteen so far``, Tajammul replied with a straight face. Her response in Punjabi remains a Nur Jehan classic. ``Hai Allah! Na na kardian wi solan ho gai nain!`` ]

In show business, people should be judged by their talent, performance and contribution and not their personal life. The personal life of most artists in this area around the world would be considered immoral according to most religious beliefs.

Noor Jahan was over 40 years old, married twice and had 7 children during Yahya Khan`s rule. She has already given her best in the form of Urdu and Punjabi songs. The cheesy Punjabi songs came later and so did her friendship with Yahya Khan. It is damn easy for an autocratic or even democratic ruler to abuse female celebirties or just be entertained from their performance at demand.

I completely agree with Shirin Ahmad that it is time only to pay her tribute for her contributions. Judge her for her career spread over decades. How many of ``perfectly moral individuals`` help create few joyous moments in the lives of countless people? Isn`t it moral act of a higher degree to charm a poor person for few moments, after or during the hardship of everyday life? This may not be the prime reason for singing, but in the case fo Noor Jahan, due consideration must be given to this aspect in celebrating and admiring her career.

I considered her a hero in my latest article which is as blank and silence thus far as our history textbooks about many other perfect heroes.

If this thread was just to express condolences & appreciate her talent , I sincerely apologise to those who have been hurt by my comments.

Dear Friends,

Let us not forget the topic under view.It is a Tribute to one of our highly distinguished singers ``Malkai Tarannum Noor Jehan ``.

It is a time to grieve over this loss, and at the same time remember the good things of the Great personality who we are honouring today. Most of us are moved very genuinely and emotionally by this great and irrepairable loss.

Let us honour this moment by showing as much respect and dignity as we can. Some of us may not be in harmony with the thoughts , but from pure humanitarian grounds, let us not put a blemish on the beautifully written tribute to ``Our Melody Queen ``, as started by Ras.

with due respect to all, and understanding some of your urges to bring bedroom privacy into this discussion, let us realise the inappropriateness of such remarks on this occassion.

I fully understand that general forums like these are open to dissection in every direction, but let us try to be a little discrete , in deciding when to slice , and when to refrain.

To hear inflammatory phrases right now really hurt.If some of us do not feel the hurt , let us at least respect those of others .

I sincerely hope i have not offended anyone as that was not the intention.

Amit, from reading some of the posts here I am
also tempted to agree with you about what could have been if the Melody Queen had stayed in Bombay.
But like her I am a Pakistani to the core and will continue to recognize her as our greatest singer to date.
On Mujh Se Pehli Si Mohabbat... being her best song ever I cannot compromise. ``Awaz Day`` is extremely good but it is not the cry of the downtrodden of a whole nation penned by possibly the best Urdu poet of the 20th Century Faiz Ahmed Faiz.
The combination of Noor Jehan`s voice and Faiz`s
poetry in Mujh Say Pehli Si Mohabbat....
cannot be duplicated.
For listeners, please dig up the original recording from (if I am not mistaken) the film
Qaidi. I like the version from ``Ghazals from Faiz``
collection Best.

On the accuracy of birth names I was well aware of
the name Allah Wasai instead of Allah Rakhi when I wrote this article. It is almost the same as
her name which is spelled three different ways
``Noor Jahan`` , Noor Jehan, and Noorjehan. I stuck to the spelling that I found most appropriate
at that moment.
Dawn called her Allah Wasai at birth while the BBC and The News (Jang Group) called her Allah Rakhi. Allah Rakhi sort of stuck in memory.

Here is part of the article from the BBC:

From the BBC Monday December 25, 2000

``Noor Jehan, was born Allah Rakhi at Kasur in Punjab on 21 September 1926.
She began her singing career at the age of 8, and appeared in her first film, Village Girl (Pind Di Kuri) in 1935.
In a career spanning five decades she recorded thousands of songs for radio, television and films, singing Punjabi and Urdu songs with equal mastery.
Her singing drew admirers from across the world, including the Gulf states and East Asia.
Thousands bade her a tearful farewell at her burial.
She leaves behind two sons and five daughters from two marriages.``

And for you mudslingers out there, I was not mistaken about Pakistanis being iconoclasts.

Thanks to the rest of you who appreciated Madams
work and talent in her lifetime.

Ras

Dear Friends,

Let us not forget the topic under view.It is a Tribute to one of our highly distinguished singers ``Malkai Tarannum Noor Jehan ``.

It is a time to grieve over this loss, and at the same time remember the good things of the Great personality who we are honouring today. Most of us are moved very genuinely and emotionally by this great and irrepairable loss.

Let us honour this moment by showing as much respect and dignity as we can. Some of us may not be in harmony with the thoughts , but from pure humanitarian grounds, let us not put a blemish on the beautifully written tribute to ``Our Melody Queen ``, as started by Ras.

with due respect to all, and understanding some of your urges to bring bedroom privacy into this discussion, let us realise the inappropriateness of such remarks on th