Eighteen years ago, in the month of August, Nazia Hassan left us. However, for someone loved by all owing to her unique and unparalleled singing and respected around the globe, one day of a month seems insufficient for remembrance. While lots of prayers were sent to Nazia Hassan on the 13th of August, the day of her death anniversary, it was decided that the whole month of August be presented as a tribute to the angelic voice. As a result, perspectives in honour of Nazia Hassan were taken from various celebrities and compiled lest another August flees and another year passes.
Haseena Moin, the veteran playwright:
“What saddens me the most is the fact that Nazia Hassan left us at a stage where she could have grown into an even greater celebrity. While in London,I ran from one hospital to another in search of her when I received the news of her illness – but all in vain. “
Yasir Akhtar, the talented singer, actor, director and producer:
“We were family friends. A proof of Nazia’s modesty is that when I visited her place for the first time with my uncle, Javed Jabbar, Nazia Hassan herself prepared tea for us instead of asking any servant to do so. Such humbleness is a rarity among artists.”
Sahira Kazmi, the actress, director and producer from the golden days:
“Disco Deewane was one of its kind and spread everywhere like fire! I miss the beautiful Nazia Hassan so much but I feel so helpless – since what happened was God’s will and we cannot do anything.”
Ali Noor, the energetic singer and music director:
“Nazia Hassan was the fundamental game-changer in the days of the inception of Pakistan’s pop music industry. Her music was far ahead of others at that time and her style of singing was very unique. I think that her voice and her production quality really shaped me as a musician.”
Maria Wasti, one of the finest actresses of Pakistani drama industry:
“Nazia Hassan, along with Aap Jaisa Koi came into our life and made it so concordant and colourful – only to leave us way before her time. She left this gap in the entertainment industry that just never was filled. Nazia Hassan is a legend who broke all the circumscription of the South Asian culture and became a true pop-star. Being a Pakistani Muslim woman, she gave hope to all of us girls who wanted to grow up, follow our dreams and prove ourselves in the entertainment industry. Though we know that she is not with us anymore, yet her voice will enduringly be a part of our lives. Nazia Hassan lives on!”
“Nazia Hassan is a legend who broke all the circumscription of the South Asian culture and became a true pop-star. Being a Pakistani Muslim woman, she gave hope to all of us girls who wanted to grow up, follow our dreams and prove ourselves in the entertainment industry” (Maria Wasti)
Shuja Haider, one of the best additions to our music industry from contemporary times:
“Nazia’s voice has been the voice of Pakistani pop. A lot of women have gained the courage to come out and sing like Nazia Hassan. Nazia truly inspired the women of Pakistan.”
Umer Naru, the young sensation of our drama industry:
“I am a 90s’ kid. When I was growing up, Nazia Hassan was already an established pop icon. I was 14 when she passed away. I was not exposed to that era in the same way as those who grew up in the 80s. On the other hand, my elder siblings and cousins completely identified with that era and much of my early exposure to Nazia and Zoheb comes vicariously through them. Nazia Hassan is, to me, the original sweetheart of Pakistan; a woman of substance, a true star who undoubtedly won people’s attention through her music, but more so, I believe, through her authenticity and charm. Even as a kid, I was awestruck by her. I remember just being starry-eyed, wondering who this lovely angelic creature was. She left a great legacy for all of us to be proud of. Her purity of spirit, her innocence and her personality act as goals to aspire to for actors, musicians and performers of today.”
Mohsin Abbas Haider, the multi-talented man who can sing, act, write and compose poetry:
“Nazia Hassan’s music came as a surprise – not only when it was produced, but even today, it seems very much contemporary, and at moments, still ahead of the times. All her songs inspire me a lot. Nazia Hassan was extremely beautiful. Watching her interviews makes me realise that she was a pure and innocent soul, which is something that would reflect on her face and in her voice too. I really like it when even to date, some well-known names pay respect to Nazia Hassan and follow her. She still acts as an inspiration for both the male and female youngsters.”
The writer is a student of English Language and Literature at GCU, Lahore and can be reached at m.ali_aquarius85@yahoo.com
Nazia Hassan was extremely beautiful. When I first saw her I was mesmerized by her beauty and innocence, it was like I am looking at a princess from a fairy land. Her voice was gift from a God. She conquered millions of hearts with her singing. Nazia Hassan is still an inspiration for the young generation.