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Malika Pukhraj

A celebrated Pakistani Ghazal and folk singer, renowned for her captivating voice and enduring contributions to the cultural landscape.

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Early Life and Musical Roots

A Legacy of Music

Malika Pukhraj was born in 1912 in Hamirpur Sidhar, within the Jammu region of British India. She hailed from a family deeply immersed in music, with both parents being professional musicians. Her birth name was given by Baba Roti Ram 'Majzoob', a spiritual figure from Akhnoor, while her aunt, herself a singer and dancer, bestowed upon her the name Pukhraj, meaning 'Yellow Sapphire'.[6][7]

Formal Training

Her formal musical education was undertaken under the tutelage of Ustad Ali Baksh Kasuri, the esteemed father of the legendary classical vocalist Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.[8] This rigorous training laid the foundation for her remarkable career in classical and folk music.

Court Singer in Jammu

At the tender age of nine, Malika Pukhraj performed at the coronation ceremony of Maharaja Hari Singh in Jammu. Profoundly impressed by her vocal prowess, the Maharaja appointed her as a court singer. She served in his Durbar for nine subsequent years, honing her skills and gaining invaluable performance experience.[9][10]

A Storied Performing Career

National Recognition

By the 1940s, Malika Pukhraj had established herself as a prominent singer across India. Following the Partition of India in 1947, she relocated to Lahore, Pakistan. It was in Lahore that her fame truly soared, particularly through her collaborations with composer Kale Khan at Radio Pakistan.[11]

Mastery of Pahari Songs

Her vocal timbre and artistic interpretation were exceptionally well-suited for the 'folk songs of the hills', commonly known as Pahari Songs. These regional melodies, often characterized by their evocative storytelling and connection to mountainous landscapes, became a signature element of her repertoire.[12]

Iconic Renditions

Malika Pukhraj is celebrated for numerous beloved songs. Her rendition of Hafeez Jalandhari's nazm, Abhi tau main jawan hoon ('I am still young'), achieved immense popularity, resonating with millions in both Pakistan and India.[3] Other notable Urdu performances include:[4]

  • Lo phir basant aaii
  • Piya baaj piyala piya jaey na (by Quli Qutub)
  • Mere qatil mere dildar mere paas raho (by Faiz Ahmed Faiz)

Musical Style and Genres

Ghazal and Folk Fusion

Malika Pukhraj primarily excelled in two distinct yet complementary genres: the classical Ghazal, known for its poetic depth and intricate melodies, and Folk music, which often reflects the cultural heritage and traditions of a region.[1] Her ability to seamlessly blend the sophistication of Ghazal with the rustic charm of folk traditions set her apart.

Vocal Acclaim

Her voice was particularly lauded for its suitability to 'Pahari Songs', a genre deeply connected to the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir. These songs often feature themes of nature, love, and local folklore, which her emotive delivery brought to life.[12]

Awards and Recognition

National Honors

Malika Pukhraj received significant national recognition for her artistic contributions throughout her career.

  • Legend of Voice Award: Presented by All India Radio in 1977 during their Golden Jubilee celebrations, acknowledging her enduring impact on radio broadcasting.[13][14]
  • Pride of Performance: Awarded by the President of Pakistan in 1980, this is one of the highest civilian honors in Pakistan, recognizing excellence in arts and literature.[1][14]

Memoirs

She also documented her life and experiences in her autobiography, titled Song Sung True, offering valuable insights into her personal journey and the vibrant music scene of her time.[1]

Personal Life

Family and Heritage

Malika Pukhraj was married to Shabbir Hussain, who served as a junior government official in Punjab. Together, they had six children. Notably, her daughter, Tahira Syed, followed in her footsteps and also became a renowned singer in Pakistan.[14][15]

Filmography

Cinematic Contributions

Malika Pukhraj contributed her voice to several films during her career:

Year Film Language
1939 Kajal Hindi
1940 Azadi-e-Watan Hindi
1940 Aflatoon Aurat Hindi
1940 Manzil Door Nahi Hindi
1950 Shammi Punjabi

Passing and Remembrance

Final Chapter

Malika Pukhraj passed away on February 4, 2004, in Lahore, Pakistan, at the age of 91 or 92.[1] Her funeral procession commenced from her residence, and the final rites were conducted at the home of her eldest son.[1] Her legacy continues to resonate through her music and the artists she inspired.

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References

References

  1.  "Abhi tau mein jawan hoon" song on YouTube by Malika Pukhraj Uploaded 10 May 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2022
  2.  Malika Pukhraj Dawn (newspaper), Retrieved 7 July 2022
  3.  [1] Profile of Malika Pukhraj on tripod.com website. Retrieved 7 July 2022
  4.  Profile of Malika Pukhraj Dawn (newspaper), Published 4 February 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2022
  5.  Tahira Syed 'Profile' on YouTube Uploaded 9 January 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2022
A full list of references for this article are available at the Malika Pukhraj Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been meticulously crafted by an AI, drawing exclusively from the provided source material. It is intended for educational and informational purposes, aiming to illuminate the life and career of Malika Pukhraj. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy based on the source, the content reflects a specific point in time and may not encompass all nuances or subsequent developments.

This is not a substitute for expert consultation. The information presented here does not constitute professional advice regarding music history, cultural analysis, or biographical research. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources and expert analyses for deeper understanding.

The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information herein.