Suraiya: Bollywood’s Melody Queen Who Shined Without Formal Training

January 31, 2026

Mumbai, January 31 – Today marks the death anniversary of the legendary actress and playback singer Suraiya, a cherished personality in Indian cinema. Suraiya passed away on January 31, 2004, but her voice and acting continue to hold a special place in the hearts of film lovers.

Known as ‘Malika-e-Husn’ and ‘Malika-e-Adakari’, Suraiya’s sweet voice and acting left a deep impact on Bollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. Born Jamal Sheikh on June 15, 1929, in Lahore (now in Pakistan), her family moved to Mumbai when she was just one year old. Her mother used to play records of great singers like K.L. Saigal, Khurshid, and Kanan Devi at home, which sparked Suraiya’s interest in singing.

Remarkably, Suraiya never received formal music training, yet her melodious voice earned her the title ‘Queen of Melodies’. She began singing on All India Radio as a child and made her acting debut at the age of 12 in the film ‘Taj Mahal’, playing the role of Mumtaz Mahal. Music director Naushad recognized her talent and gave her a chance as a playback singer in the 1942 film ‘Sharada’. She sang memorable songs such as ‘Nayi Duniya Basegi’.

Suraiya acted in over 70 films and sang more than 330 songs throughout her career. Some of her notable movies include ‘Anmol Ghadi’, ‘Pyar Ki Jeet’, ‘Badi Behen’, ‘Dard’, ‘Jeet’, ‘Sanam’, ‘Dastaan’, ‘Rustam Sohrab’, ‘Shama’, and ‘Shayar’.

She shared a close professional and personal bond with actor Dev Anand, starring together in films like ‘Neeli’, ‘Vidya’, and ‘Do Sitare’. However, due to family reasons, they could not marry. Suraiya remained unmarried throughout her life. K.L. Saigal also played an important role in her career by supporting and recommending her for major roles early on.

Some of Suraiya’s evergreen songs include ‘Dil-e-Nadaan Tujhe Hua Kya Hai’, ‘O Door Jane Wale’, ‘Tera Khayal Dil Se Mita Na Sakega’, and ‘Jane Kya Tune Kahi’. She retired from films after ‘Rustam Sohrab’ in 1963 and lived alone at her Marine Drive residence in Mumbai until her death in a city hospital on January 31, 2004.