Pakistani actor, comedian, and host Ahmed Ali Butt expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of institutional recognition for Ahmed Ali Butts grandmother, legendary singer and actress Madam Noor Jehan, on her 100th birth anniversary.
Ahmed Ali Butt turned to Instagram Stories, posting a black-and-white portrait of Madam Noor Jehan and an emotional message that questioned why the centennial of one of Pakistan’s most celebrated artists had not received a larger public tribute.
“No tribute, no PTV transmission, no special show on any network, not even a poster, at Liberty to wish you a 100th birthday ” Ahmed Ali Butt wrote.
Ahmed Raises Questions Over State Recognition
Ahmed said Noor Jehan’s music is still one of the reminders of her work in Pakistan’s cultural history.
“If it wasn’t for your songs that people still listen to, the state would have forgotten you yesterday,” he wrote.
Ahmed also criticised the shortcomings in the way Pakistan documents. Protects the work of its artists, raising concerns about copyright, preservation, and the safeguarding of creative legacies.
Ahmed said: “This is how we have always honoured our legends… By making sure not to document artists’ work illegally, hijack artists’ work and copyright, by making artist and legacies are never protected.”
‘We have lost touch with our own identity’
The actor said the lack of recognition reflected a wider failure to preserve Pakistan’s artistic heritage.
“It’s a shame how we have forgotten our own identity and culture and the people who contributed their lives to it,” he wrote.
Ahmed compared Pakistan’s approach with other countries, saying artists elsewhere are remembered through biographies, academic research and cultural projects.
“Other countries preserve and make biopics on their artists, teach their work at universities and celebrate their achievements,” he said.
He described the situation as “sad and heartbreaking” and said it reflected a loss of connection with Pakistan’s cultural identity.
A Personal Tribute to Noor Jehan
I saw Ahmed finish Ahmeds message by sending a birthday tribute to Grandmother writing: “Happy birthday Nano.”
Ahmed also posted an Instagram Story that played Noor Jehan’s classic Punjabi song, Sano Nehar Wale Pul Te Bula Ke.
Ahmed Ali Butt is the son of singer Zil-e-Huma and the grandson, on Noor Jehan’s side of the family.
