Shahnaz Begum, who sang one of the most popular patriotic songs “Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan”, passed away Saturday in Dhaka.
She was 67, and died as Pakistanis celebrated Pakistan Day, a national day that renews determination each year on March 23 with the spirit of Pakistan Resolution adopted on this date in 1940, when the Indian Muslims, under the leadership of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah resolved to create a new country.
Another song “Sohni Darti Allah Rakhe” also won her great praise and it remains a popular song in Pakistan.
Shahnaz shot to national fame in Pakistan when she sang patriotic songs written by acclaimed poet Jamil ud Din Aali in 1965. The was one of a string of songs the Pakistani poets wrote to inspire the Pakistani nation with messages of unity and resilience during the 1965 war and also in the aftermath of 1971 separation of Bangladesh.
The song is a part of Pakistani culture and has been performed countlessly at educational institutions and ceremonies to mark Independence Day and Pakistan Day celebrations.
Her full name was Shanaz Rahmatullah. But to generations of Pakistanis she was Shahnaz Begum, as they grew up listening to the patriotic songs she sang.
Shahnaz was born January 2, 1952 in Dhaka and sang in Bagnla and Urdu languages. She was honored with several awards.
