A true artist never really dies. They live on through their work and Noor Jehan is one such example of a true, once-in-a-lifetime artist.

One hundred years after she was born, she is still one of the most beloved singers in South Asia. Noor Jehan was born on September 21, 1926, as Allah Wasai in the city of Kasur. She started singing and acting as a young girl and turned out to be so good at it that it earned her the title of Malika-e-Tarannum (the Queen of Melody).

And like the musical royalty that she was, Noor Jehan went on to record around 10,000 songs in Urdu, Punjabi as well as Sindhi. During the 1960s, her voice became a major part of the Pakistani identity after she lent her voice to several patriotic songs (milli naghmay), including the evergreen ‘Aye Watan ke Sajelay Jawano’. To this day, those songs are a source of comfort, courage and hope for many Pakistanis.

But it isn’t just her powerful vocals that define Noor Jehan’s legacy; it’s also the diversity of her songs. She could sing anything — be it uplifting anthems, ballads or romantic songs. What’s more, her work transcends generations.

This sort of artistic immortality deserves to be celebrated for another 100 years — and what better way to do it than by revisiting some of her best tracks?

‘Mujh Se Pehli Si Muhabbat’

Penned by one of the greatest Urdu poets in the history of the language, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, this song was sung so perfectly by Noor Jehan that the poet famously said: “It’s not my song any more, it belongs to Noor Jehan now.”

‘Chandni Raatein’

This soft, dreamy song has seen many renditions by different artists after it was first performed by the legendary singer for the 1952 Pakistani film Dupatta. British-Indian music producer Bally Sagoo’s version from the 90s is probably one of the most popular ones.

‘Muhinji Preet Naein, Muhinjo Pyaar Nao’

Not a lot of people know that Noor Jehan also sang songs in Sindhi. ‘Muhinji Preet Naein, Muhinjo Pyaar Nao’ (My love is new, so is my affection) was performed as a duet with with Ustad Muhammad Yousuf for the 1970 Sindhi film Ghoonghat Lah Kunwar.

‘Sanu Nehar Wale Pul Te’

Easily one of the most recognisable songs in the history of Pakistani music, this song was performed by the Queen of Melody for the 1973 Pakistani Punjabi film Dukh Sajna De. To this day, many hum this song while waiting for people who don’t value the importance of showing up on time.

‘Aye Puttar Hattan Te Nahi Wikde’

This is a touching Punjabi song about a mother’s love. It is but one example of the versatility of the emotions Noor Jehan’s voice has the potential to evoke in people, across generations.

Noor Jehan’s illustrious career spanned over six decades and she died in Karachi on December 23, 2000, at the age of 74. She continues to live on in the hearts of many, thanks to her immortal voice, poise and grace.