Tahira Syed

Tahira Syed is a Ghazal and folk singer in Pakistan. She is the daughter of vocalist Begum Malika Pukhraj, and was the former wife of Naeem Bokhari.

Music career

Syed received her initial training in music from Ustad Akhtar Hussain. She first appeared on air in 1968–69 on Radio Pakistan, and her popularity increased in the 1970s and 1980’s. “Yeh Alam Shauq Ka Dekha na jaey” , “Chanjar Phabdi na” and “Abhi to Main Jawan Houn” are some of her most popular songs. She has been the recipient of various musical awards in recognition of her achievements as a singer. In 1985, she appeared on the cover of National Geographic magazine Being the youngest, Tahira was made to learn singing since the tender age of 12. After two years of rigorous classical music training by a teacher, Tahira was then personally taught music by her mother.

Education

She obtained her primary education from the Convent of Jesus and Mary where she passed her Senior Cambridge examinations. She went on to study for and LLB Degree at Lahore College. She graduated with an LLB degree , before enrolling for Masters in English at Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore; she later dropped out of the college.

Personal life

Tahira Syed is the daughter of the Pakistani singer Malika Pukhraj. They are from a Kashmiri family. Tahira was the youngest child in her family, with five siblings (one sister and four brothers). Her sister, Tasneem, is married to famous Pakistani lawyer and senator S.M. Zafar. Syed has two children, a son and a daughter, both of whom are lawyers by profession in New York City. Her marriage to noted attorney Naeem Bukhari ended in 1990.