Suraiya’s story is one of raw talent triumphing over convention. Arriving in Mumbai as a toddler from Lahore, she grew up immersed in music through her mother’s record collection. No music school for this prodigy—her ear for melody was innate. By her early teens, she was a radio sensation and debuted on screen at 12 in ‘Taj Mahal,’ portraying the iconic Mumtaz Mahal.

The 1940s and 1950s belonged to her. Composer Naushad’s discovery in ‘Sharda’ launched her singing career, with songs that defined an era. She racked up over 70 films and 330 songs, dominating charts with romantic dramas like ‘Dard,’ ‘Anmol Ghadi,’ and epic tales such as ‘Rustam Sohrab.’

Her on-screen pairings with Dev Anand sparked endless speculation about a real-life affair, fueled by films like ‘Niili’ and ‘Do Sitare.’ Family opposition kept them apart, leaving Suraiya unmarried till the end. Mentored by K.L. Saigal, she credited him for her big breaks.

Iconic tracks—’O Door Jaane Wale,’ ‘Dil-e-Nadan,’ ‘Tera Khayal’—remain playlist staples. Post-1963, she shunned filmdom, preferring solitude at home. Her death on January 31, 2004, closed a chapter, but her voice echoes eternally, proving true artistry needs no formal tutelage.