Today marks the 21st death anniversary of the legendary folk and Ghazal singer, Malika Pukhraj. Born in 1910 in a village near Akhnoor, Jammu, her original name was Hamida. After the partition, she and her family moved to Pakistan, where she became one of the most celebrated voices in music history.
Trained by Ustad Ali Baksh Kasuri, the father of the legendary Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Malika Pukhraj mastered the art of classical singing. Her mesmerizing renditions of Abhi Tou Main Jawan Hoon and Wo Baaten Teri, Wo Fasane Tere remain timeless classics.
For her remarkable contribution to music, she was honoured with the Presidential Pride of Performance Award. Malika Pukhraj passed away on this day in 2004 in Lahore, but her soulful voice continues to live on in the hearts of music lovers.
