Friday marked the death anniversary of the renowned Pakistani singer, Mehnaz Begum, who enchanted audiences with her magical voice for four decades.

Born as Kaneez Raza in Karachi in 1955, Mehnaz Begum hailed from a distinguished musical lineage as the daughter of the celebrated singer and ghazal maestro, Kajjan Begum. She earned a Bachelor's degree from Sir Syed Girls College before officially stepping into the world of music in 1972.

Introduced to the public through Pakistan Television's program 'Naghma Zar,' Mehnaz Begum quickly captivated the hearts of the nation with her soul-stirring performances. Following her success on television, her fame extended to the silver screen. Subsequently, Mehnaz graced radio, television, and film for many years, leaving an indelible mark with her enchanting voice, recording over 1500 songs in total.

Recognizing her outstanding contributions to the world of music, the Government of Pakistan honored Mehnaz Begum with the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence.

Mehnaz Begum was unwell for a long time, and while traveling to the United States on January 19, 2013,  her condition worsened en route. She was taken off the plane in Bahrain and shifted to a hospital, but she could not survive.  

Mehnaz Begum was buried in Karachi, leaving behind a legacy of timeless melodies that continue to resonate with music enthusiasts worldwide.