PAKISTANI POWER LIST: ICONS WHO SHAPED OUR CULTURE

With Pakistan Day approaching, Team GT pays homage to some of the country’s most iconic personalities. The contributions they made in their respective professions have set the precedent high, inspiring generations to follow

You cannot think of Pakistani artists without mentioning one of the finest calligraphers and painters the country has produced. His social commentary through grand murals depicts mankind’s eternal quest to unlock its potential; these murals, such as the ones at the State Bank of Pakistan, Frere Hall Karachi and the Power House at Mangla Dam (this particular one being one of the largest in the world), are a testament to his talent. Most recently, his “Crucifixion” sold for a record Pkr sixteen million at UK’s Bonhams, making it his most expensive painting sold to date. Sadequain’s massive body of work got him several national and international accolades (including the Pride of Performance and the Sitara-e-Imtiaz), along with an ever-lasting legacy that continues to astound art lovers the world over till today.

Saadat Hasan Manto remains one of the most controversial figures in Pakistani literature and a cultural icon all the same. Writing mainly in the Urdu language, this author and playwright produced works that are still critically acclaimed. Acknowledged as one of the finest Urdu writers of the 20th century, Manto chronicled the chaos that prevailed during and after the partition of the Subcontinent. He wrote unabashedly on taboo topics that often got him in trouble and lead him to face obscenity charges multiple times. Despite that, he remains one of Pakistan’s most celebrated writers, with many productions paying homage to his life. He was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan posthumously.

Dubbed as “Shahenshah-e-Qawwali” (The Emperor of Qawwali), Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan furthered his family’s six hundred-year old qawwali legacy, introducing the genre to international audiences like never before. His exceptional vocal prowess led him to be celebrated as the greatest qawwal of all time, while also influencing contemporary South Asian popular music. He recieved multiple prestigious awards including the President of Pakistan’s Award for Pride of Performance, the UNESCO Music Prize, Grand Prix des Amériques at Montreal World Film Festival and the Arts and Culture Prize of the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prizes. He was also nominated for two Grammy Awards and held the Guinness World Record for the most qawwali recordings. Japan bestowed on him the title Budai (Singing Buddha), while Time magazine added him as one of the top twelve artists and thinkers in its “60 Years of Asian Heroes” (2006) list. Some of the other prominent lists Khan was included in were NPR’s fifty great voices (2010), CNN’s twenty most iconic musicians from the past fifty years (2010) and UGO’s list of the best singers of all time.

Celebrated as one of the greatest mystic singers of all time, Abida Parveen began performing at shrines of Sufi Saints with her father in the early 1970s, who chose her over his two sons as his musical heir. She sings qawwali, ghazals, Sufi rock, Khyal, Kafis, classical, semi-classical and thumri. She’s won countless accolades including the President of Pakistan’s Award for Pride of Performance, the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Lifetime Achievement Award at the Kaladharmi Begum Akhtar Academy of Ghazal in India. She was also honoured as the Peace Ambassador by SAARC in 2017.

Pakistani pop music and Nazia Hassan go hand-in-hand. Credited with being one of the pioneers of the modern era of Pakistani music, Nazia, along with brother Zohaib Hassan, started a revolution in Pakistani music that lead to her being renowned internationally. Titled the “Queen of Pop,” Nazia’s fun, upbeat music was popular both among the youth and the older generations of her time. In addition to her career in music, she was also a UNICEF cultural ambassador due to her engagement in several philanthropic activities. Even now, Nazia’s disco beats remain fan-favourites. For her contributions to the music industry, she was awarded the Pride of Performance. She also won a Golden Disc Award, a Double Platinum Award and even a Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer. Google honoured her with a doodle on what would have been her 53rd birthday.

Former World No. 1 professional Pakistani squash player, Jahangir Khan is considered one of Pakistan’s greatest sportsmen of all time and one of the greatest players in the history of squash. He won the World Open six times and the British Open a record ten times; Khan remained undefeated for almost five years from 1981 to 1986 and won 555 matches consecutively, earning him a Guinness World Record. Currently, he is Emeritus President of the World Squash Federation.

Noor Jehan or “Malika-e-Tarannum” (the Queen of Melody) was one of Pakistan’s most prolific singers and actresses. Along with Ahmed Rushdi, she holds the record for having given voice to the largest number of film songs in the history of Pakistani cinema. Over the years she became one of Pakistan’s most iconic figures and sang some of the most memorable songs that have been recreated both sides of the border and continue to serve as inspiration for the new generation of musicians and singers alike. Although she acted in over 40 films, Noor Jehan’s lasting legacy is her music and a voice that can be instantly recognised. Awarded numerous times for her extensive oeuvre such as the Pride of Performance, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Millenium Award and over 15 Nigar Awards, among others. She was also a Cultural Ambassador of Pakistan. Noor Jehan is an evergreen icon indeed.

Bushra Ansari is a true living legend who has continued to dominate the entertainment industry for over five decades. From acting, to singing, hosting and writing, she has done it all and aced each undertaking. She has received all major Pakistani awards, including Pakistan’s highest civilian award, the Pride of Performance. She is celebrated in particular for her impersonations of Noor Jehan and Tahira Syed, along with her impeccable performances in Fifty-fifty, Angan Terha, Raja Ki Ayegi Barat and Udaari.

Literary giant Anwar Maqsood needs no introduction. A celebrated scriptwriter and playwright, he has been awarded many prestigious honours including the Pride of Performance and Hilal-e-Imtiaz. It wouldn’t be wrong to assert he has shaped Pakistan Television with his scripts for iconic television shows like Half Plate, Anghan Terha and Sitara aur Mehrunnisa, to name a few.

Prior to entering politics, Imran Khan was one of Pakistan’s most recognisable cricketers. He made his debut for the Pakistani cricket team in 1971 at the age of 18 during the series against England at Birmingham. After graduating from the University of Oxford, he played on home ground for the first time in 1976 and went on to be a part of the team for around twenty years. Khan captained the team intermittently between 1982 and 1992. One of his greatest cricketing accomplishments was to lead the Pakistani team to victory at the 1992 Cricket World Cup, the only time Pakistan has won till date. Following this, he retired from cricket and pursued philanthropy and eventually politics.

A force to be reckoned with, Maheen Khan is celebrated as one of the most respected pioneers of the fashion industry. Her truck art inspired design house, Gulabo, continues to produce trendsetting pieces that are timeless, yet eclectic. She was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Sindh government in 2017.

In a world that’s inundated with fashion campaigns and media hype, Bunto Kazmi, the rightful queen of bridal wear, is nothing short of a rarity. Despite shying away from publicity of any sort, her business has continued to flourish as a leading design house celebrated for its craft. Bunto’s original designs are heirlooms cherished by generations of women.