Biography
Who is Suraiya Multanikar?
Early life and vocal training
Suraiya Multanikar was born in the city of Multan, Pakistan. As a child, she possessed a strong desire to become a singer. Because her immediate family lacked the expertise to provide formal vocal training, she relied on self-instruction. She spent much of her time listening to film soundtracks, carefully copying the melodies and lyrics to teach herself the craft.
She later sought formal instruction to refine her skills. Suraiya became a student of Ghulam Nabi Khan, a sarangi player from the Delhi gharana of classical music. He was also known by the name Fauji Khan and maintained a reputation as a strict disciplinarian during her training.
Radio and film career
Her professional path began on the radio. At age 15, she performed compositions created by veteran Pakistani composers Niaz Hussain Shami and Abdul Haq Qureshi. Throughout her career, she drew significant inspiration from the musical works of prominent artists such as Roshan Ara Begum, Mehdi Hassan, and Ustad Salamat Ali Khan of the Sham Chaurasia gharana, as well as Bade Fateh Ali Khan from the Patiala gharana.
While her time as a playback singer in the film industry was brief, she achieved lasting recognition for her work in the 1966 movie Badnaam. She performed songs like Bare Be Murawwat Hain Yeh Husn Walay and Kahin Dil Laganey Ki Koshish Na Karna. These tracks featured music by Deebo Bhattacharya and lyrics written by Masroor Anwar.
Awards and family
Over several decades, Suraiya Multanikar received numerous honors for her musical contributions. She was awarded the Pride of Performance by the President of Pakistan in 1986 and the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2008. Her other accolades include the 1959 Golden Award, the 1975 and 1980 Gulam Fareed Award, and a lifetime achievement award from Radio Pakistan in 2006.
Suraiya has seven children named Muhammad Ali, Ruqaiya Sajjad, Ramzan Ali, Shaista, Rabia, Aalia, and Rahat Bano. Her oldest son, Muhammad Ali, works as an orthopaedic doctor based in the United Kingdom. Her youngest daughter, Rahat Multanikar, followed in her footsteps by becoming a folk singer.
Birthday and age
Suraiya Multanikar was born on August 30, 1940, which makes Suraiya 86 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Suraiya shares the date with 26 other famous people.
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