Remembering Suraiya, the greatest singing star of all times, on her 14th death anniversary today.

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On 31st January 2004, one of the greatest singing stars of all times, Suraiya Jamal Shiekh or known simply as Suraiya passed into the ages. This disarmingly sweet-voiced singer represented an old world charm that invokes wistful nostalgia. Even though her on-screen image occasionally courted glamour, her voice remained rooted in simplicity and heart-warming earnestness.

Suraiya had the perfect blend of a singing star. She had great looks, natural expressions and a sweet soothing voice. Along with Kanan Devi and Noor Jehan, she was one of the most prominent female singing stars of the golden era of Hindi films.

Suraiya began acting as a child artiste with Taj Mahal (1941) and landed her first leading role as a teenager in Ishara (1943) co-starring Satish, Swarn Lata and Prithviraj Kapoor. Blessed with a melodious voice, she quickly became popular as a singing star. Her most famous on-screen pairing was with the top romantic hero of the time, Dev Anand.

Suraiya's career spanned a little over two decades but she left behind a vast repertoire of songs for audiences to delight in.
Suraiya kept generations of cine-goers spellbound with her acting and singing. She will remain in our hearts forever through her immortal songs.
Suraiya with Madan Mohan, Shiela and Lata Mangeshkar
Mirza Ghalib (1954) was a landmark film in Suraiya's career for her sensitive acting and beautiful singing. After KL Saigal, her rendering of Ghalib was recognised as a masterpiece.

"Di-e-nadaan tujhe hua kya hai" has been rendered by singers of different era but few come close to the Talat-Suraiya rendition:they immortalised Ghalib's poetry with this emotional duet.

Suraiya lived like a star all her life. She did not turn to playback singing past her prime age like Noor Jehan nor she switched to character roles. All of her fans always remember her with the same image they saw in films like Dillagi, Anmol Ghadi and Pyaar Ki Jeet. Even though she did not possess outstanding acting abilities like Meena Kumari or Nutan, she had a fine screen presence and a charming smile. For a brief period she was the heart-throb of the nation. She lived like a Queen and died like a Queen, the last singing star India ever had!

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