Google honours pop icon Nazia Hassan

Special doodle on late singer’s 53rd birthday pays tribute to a woman who wowed millions

Pakistan’s iconic pop princess Nazia Hassan was honoured and remembered in a beautifully illustrated Google doodle yesterday. The doodle celebrates the 53rd birthday of Hassan, who ruled the hearts of millions of fans in South Asia with her energetic and angelic voice.

The pop singer would have been 53 today but she passed away at the young age of 35 in August 2000 after battling cancer.

Google captioned the doodle, “Our Doodle today imagines her performing with her famous flowing hair and dupatta [traditional Pakistani scarf], and the disco balls of the 80s glinting behind her.”

In a brief description of her popularity in Pakistan, Google also added: “When young Pakistani girls in the 1980s closed their eyes and clutched a pretend mic in their hands, swaying and singing, a major inspiration was Nazia Hassan. Hassan, sometimes referred to as the “Princess of Pop”, was a sensation the likes of which hadn’t been seen in the region in years. Young and graceful, with long flowing hair, she charmed the country by belting out favourite songs Disco Deewane and Boom Boom alongside her brother Zohaib.”

Fans thank Google

After seeing the tribute, fans of the Queen of Pop from all over the world thanked Google for its special homage. “Thanks to Google for this marvellous tribute to my most favourite singer. I celebrate the birthday of Nazia Hassan by listening to her songs as she lives in our hearts and minds” said Dua Anwar.

The fan list also includes the new generation of music lovers born after her death.

Born on April 3, 1965, Hassan came into the limelight through Pakistan Television’s programme Sung Sung and soon became one of Pakistan’s most famous celebrities in the 70s and 80s.

Aap Jaisa Koi — an awardwinning single that she sang for Indian movie Qurbaani — made Hassan a beloved pop icon in South Asia.

The song won her the prestigious Filmfare award.