Noor Jehan Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Songs, Movies, Awards, Obituary

Noor Jehan, born Allah Rakhi Wasai, is a prominent figure in South Asian entertainment, known for her multifaceted roles as a singer, actress, and director.

Her journey into the limelight began with her role in the 1942 film “Khandaan,” which marked her transition from child artist to leading lady.

This film’s success propelled her to the forefront of the Indian film industry.

Subsequent performances in movies like “Anmol Ghadi” (1946) and “Jugnu” (1947) solidified her status as a leading actress.

Profile

• Full name: Allah Rakhi Wasai
• Nickname: Noor Jehan, Malika-e-Tarannum (Queen of Melody), The Nightingale of the East
• Date of birth: September 21, 1926
• Age as of 2025: Deceased
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Kasur, Punjab, British India
• State of origin: Punjab
• Nationality: Pakistani
• Profession: Playback singer, music composer, actress, director
• Height: 5 feet 6 inches (1.70 m)
• Parents: Imdad Ali (father), Fateh Bibi (mother)
• Siblings: Noor Jehan had ten siblings, including sisters Eiden Bai and Haider Bandi
• Spouse: Shaukat Hussain Rizvi (m. 1942–1953), Ejaz Durrani (m. 1959–1971)
• Children: Zil-e-Huma, Nazia Ejaz Khan, Akbar Hussain Rizvi, Asghar Hussain Rizvi, Hina Durrani, Mina Hasan
• Relationship status: Divorced
• Religion: Islam
• Ethnicity: Punjabi
• Net worth: $12 million

Early Life and Education

Noor Jehan was born Allah Rakhi Wasai on September 21, 1926, in Kasur, Punjab, British India. She was one of the eleven children of professional musicians Imdad Ali and Fateh Bibi. Growing up in a musically inclined household, she received early training in classical music under Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, a native of Kasur.

Her education included instruction in the traditions of the Patiala Gharana of Hindustani classical music, encompassing forms like thumri, dhrupad, and khyal. At the age of nine, she caught the attention of Punjabi musician Ghulam Ahmed Chishti, who introduced her to stage performances in Lahore.

Personal Life

In 1942, Noor Jehan married film director Shaukat Hussain Rizvi. The couple had three children: sons Akbar Hussain Rizvi and Asghar Hussain Rizvi and daughter Zil-e-Huma.

Their marriage ended in divorce in 1953. In 1959, she married actor Ejaz Durrani, with whom she had three more children: daughters Hina Durrani, Mina Hasan, and Nazia Ejaz Khan. This marriage also ended in divorce in 1971.

Career

Noor Jehan’s career began in British India, where she started as a child artist in the 1930s. Her first significant role as an adult was in the 1942 film “Khandaan,” which was a considerable success.

She went on to star in several top-grossing films, including “Anmol Ghadi” (1946) and “Jugnu” (1947). After moving to Pakistan post-partition, she continued her acting career, starring in “Chan Wey” (1951), which she also co-directed, making her Pakistan’s first female film director.

It became the highest-grossing film in Pakistan in 1951. She transitioned to playback singing in the late 1950s and became a prominent figure in Pakistani music, recording approximately 10,000 songs in various languages. Her contributions to music and cinema spanned over six decades.  

Awards

• Pride of Performance (1965)
• Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (1966)
• Sitara-e-Imtiaz (1996)
• 15 Nigar Awards
• President’s Award for acting and singing in “Intezaar” (1957)
• Special Nigar Award for wartime songs (1965)

Net Worth

Noor Jehan’s wealth was primarily accumulated through her extensive career in the entertainment industry, including acting, singing, and directing. Her estimated net worth is around $12 million.

Death

Noor Jehan passed away on December 23, 2000, in Karachi, Pakistan, due to heart failure. She was laid to rest at Gizri Graveyard in Karachi.  

Social Media

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Filmography

• Heer-Sayyal (1937)
• Gul Bakawli (1939)
• Khandaan (1942)
• Zeenat (1945)
• Anmol Ghadi (1946)
• Jugnu (1947)
• Mirza Sahiban (1947)
• Chan Wey (1951)
• Dupatta (1952)
• Intezar (1956)
• Anarkali (1958)
• Koel (1959)
• Ghalib (1961)
• Baaji (1963)

Discography

• Shala Jawaniyan Mane (Gul Bakawli, 1939)
• Awaaz De Kahan Hai (Anmol Ghadi, 1946)
• Mujhse Pehli Si Mohabbat (Qaidi, 1962)
• Jahan Ara (film songs, 1964)
• Sayoni Mera Mahi (folk song)