Hadiqa Kiani is a Pakistani singer, songwriter, composer, and humanitarian who has been captivating audiences for decades with her beautiful voice and unique style. She is a well-known celebrity who demands no introduction, and her performances are heard at some of the most famous venues worldwide, including the Royal Albert Hall and the Kennedy Center.
In addition to her musical achievements, Hadiqa is also expanding her salon business to new locations. She is a true inspiration to all, and her dedication to her craft and her community is admirable. In 2006, she was awarded the Tamgha e Imtiaz, the highest civilian award in Pakistan, for her contributions to music.
Hadiqa Kiani early life and career
Hadiqa Kiani was born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and her father passed away when she was just three years old. Her mother, Khawar Kiani, was a poet and the headmistress of a public girls’ school. Khawar recognized Hadiqa’s singing talent and enrolled her at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, where she studied under Nargis Naheed.
Hadiqa attended Viqar-un-Nisa Noon Girls High School and represented Pakistan at international children’s festivals in Turkey, Jordan, Bulgaria, and Greece, where she won multiple awards and performed in front of thousands of people. She also appeared in Sohail Rana’s weekly PTV musical for kids, Rang Barangi Dunya.
When Hadiqa was 13, she moved from Rawalpindi to Lahore to continue her classical studies with Ustad Faiz Ahmed Khan and Wajid Ali Nashad. She went on to earn degrees from two of Pakistan’s most prestigious universities, Kinnaird College for Women University and Government College University Lahore.
After her breakthrough role in the film Sargam, Hadiqa largely focused on her solo career and stepped away from playback singing in Pakistan. However, she made an exception in 2011 when she became one of the main playback singers for Shoaib Mansoor’s film Bol. The film featured four of Hadiqa’s songs, two of which were collaborations with Atif Aslam. The film’s soundtrack was met with positive reviews and received four Lux Style Award nominations for Hadiqa Kiani and Atif Aslam.
Hadiqa Kiani in Pakistan Idol
Despite the controversy surrounding its first season, Pakistan Idol became the most-watched entertainment show in the country’s history. It’s a testament to the show’s popularity and its ability to capture the hearts of Pakistanis.
Hadiqa Kiani Biography & Personal Details
| Nickname | Hadiqa |
| Gender | Female |
| Age | 49 years old (in 2023) |
| Date of Birth | 11 August 1974 |
| Full Name | Hadiqa Kiani |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Philanthropist |
| Nationality | Pakistani |
| Birthplace | Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan |
| Religion | Islam |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
Hadiqa Kiani early career
Hadiqa Kiani got her start in the music industry as a child, singing over a thousand songs on the Pakistani TV show Angan Angan Taray. Her performance was so impressive that she was promoted to the “A+ artist” level by PTV. She also worked as a video jockey on NTM’s music charts show, Video Junction.
In the early 1990s, Hadiqa launched her career as a playback singer. Her first major film was the Pakistani smash hit Sargam. She released her debut pop album, Raaz, in 1996, becoming the first female vocalist to release a pop album after Nazia Hassan retired. Her multilingual vocal abilities were showcased in the popular Kashmiri folk song “Maane Di Mauj.”
Hadiqa Kiani: Pakistan’s Queen of Pop
Hadiqa Kiani released her second album, Roshni, in 1998. The album’s third single, “Dupatta,” was a massive hit, ranking number fifteen on Pakistan’s list of the 20 Greatest Pop Songs of All Time. Kiani’s popularity skyrocketed, and she was soon recognized as the best female singer in the country.
The album’s sixth single, “Boohey Barian,” became even more popular than “Dupatta.” Today, it is regarded as Kiani’s finest solo effort and one of the most iconic Pakistani songs of all time. Roshni has gone platinum in Pakistan with over a million copies sold, making it one of the best-selling local pop albums of all time. Kiani is one of only two female singers on the list, which is a testament to her incredible talent and popularity.
Kiani continued to release hit albums after Roshni, all of which were met with critical and commercial acclaim. She is now widely regarded as one of the greatest Pakistani singers of all time.
Hadiqa Kiani: Singer-turned-actress
Hadiqa Kiani is a Pakistani singer-songwriter and actress. She is one of the most popular and successful singers in Pakistan and has won numerous awards for her music. In recent years, she has also ventured into acting and has appeared in several popular television series and films.
Kiani made her acting debut in 2020, starring in the television series Raqeeb Se. She played the role of Sakina, a battered wife. Her performance in the series was critically acclaimed, and she was praised for her natural acting ability.
Kiani followed up Raqeeb Se with another successful television series, Dobara, in 2021. In Dobara, she played the role of Mehru, a strong and independent woman. Her performance in this series was also praised by critics and audiences alike.
Kiani’s foray into acting has been a success, and she has established herself as one of the most talented actresses in Pakistan. She is a versatile artist who excels in both singing and acting.
Hadiqa Kiani: A global singing sensation
Hadiqa Kiani’s international rise to fame began in January 1997, when she became the first Asian singer to appear on the British National Lottery Live BBC One, watched by an estimated 16.6 million people. She followed up with two more programs on BBC and ITV, and then toured the United States for the first time in 1997. She also performed in Canada during this tour.
In 1997, Kiani also participated in various international competitions in the United Kingdom, Australia, and China. She was the sole Pakistani performer at the “Celebration Hong Kong 97” event at Happy Valley Race Course, honoring Hong Kong’s independence from the United Kingdom. She was the first popular Pakistani vocalist to perform in Hong Kong.
In the same year, Kiani made history again by becoming the first Asian female vocalist to be signed by Pepsi-Cola International. She was the second female international performer to join the label, after Gloria Estefan.
Kiani’s international success is a testament to her talent and versatility as a singer. She has performed on some of the biggest stages in the world and has won the hearts of fans all over the globe.
Hadiqa Kiani: A humanitarian hero
In August 2010, Hadiqa Kiani teamed up with local Pakistanis and the Pakistan Army to help the victims of the devastating floods that hit Pakistan. She collected and distributed clothing, water, food, and shelter to those in need. She also participated in the fundraising telethon Pukaar on Geo TV with pop sensation Ali Zafar.
Hadiqa Kiani personally visited flood-affected districts such as Multan, Basti Kalraywala, and Muzaffarabad to distribute supplies to the affected people. She worked closely with the Pakistan Army to ensure that aid was delivered to those who needed it most.
Hadiqa Kiani’s humanitarian work during the floods was widely praised. She was hailed as a hero for her dedication and compassion. She continues to be a role model for many people in Pakistan and around the world.
World Cup Song by Hadiqa Kiani
In 1998, Hadiqa Kiani recorded the official anthem for the 1999 Cricket World Cup, titled “Intehai Shauq.” The song was written by Kiani’s mother, Khawar Kiani, and composed by the legendary Nizar Lalani. The music video, directed by Jami and Imran Baber, became an instant hit, thanks to the song’s inspiring lyrics and message.
“Intehai Shauq” is a powerful and uplifting song that celebrates the spirit of cricket and the passion of the fans. It is a song that unites people from all walks of life and inspires them to achieve their dreams.
Kiani’s performance of “Intehai Shauq” at the Cricket World Cup opening ceremony was electrifying. She belted out the song with such passion and conviction that it brought tears to the eyes of many. The song became a rallying cry for the Pakistani cricket team, and it is still remembered as one of the greatest Cricket World Cup anthems of all time.
Coke Studio Debut of Hadiqa Kiani
In 2012, during season 5 of Coke Studio, she sang a few songs, including “Daachi Waaliya” and “Kamlee.” All of her Coke Studio performances seemed to be liked by the crowds.
OST Hits of Hadiqa Kiani
Hadiqa Kiani is known for her versatile singing and her ability to adapt to any genre. She has sung theme songs for numerous Pakistani television programs, and many of them have become instant hits.
Hadiqa Kiani singing the theme song for Zindagi Gulzar Hai In 2012, Kiani sang the theme song for the popular television drama Zindagi Gulzar Hai. The song, titled “Main Tujh Se Hi To Mohabbat Karti Hun,” was a viral hit and is still considered to be one of the best OSTs of all time.
Hadiqa Kiani sang the theme song for Udaari Later the same year, Hadiqa Kiani sang the OST for another hit drama serial, Udaari. The song, titled “Ik Aas,” was also a critical and commercial success.
Hadiqa Kiani’s OSTs are popular for a reason. They are always beautifully composed and sung with passion. Her songs perfectly capture the essence of the shows they are for, and they often become as popular as the shows themselves.
Facts about Hadiqa Kiani
- Singing competition judge: Hadiqa Kiani was a judge on the popular singing competition Pakistan Idol.
- Anti-terrorism anthem: Hadiqa Kiani was one of many musicians featured in the wildly successful anti-terrorism song “Yeh Hum Naheen.” The song’s music video expresses anti-terrorism sentiments and helps to promote peace and understanding.
- UN Goodwill Ambassador: Hadiqa Kiani was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program in November 2010, in recognition of her philanthropic work.
- Nonprofit supporter: Hadiqa Kiani regularly collaborates with the Edhi Foundation and has also been active with numerous other nonprofits, such as Muslim Hands, SOS Villages, and UNICEF.
- Qawwali innovator: Hadiqa Kiani headlined the three-day U.S. Embassy festival in Islamabad in April 2015, where she debuted her new Qawwali sound.
- National pride: Hadiqa Kiani was ranked as the 15th person on the Daily Times (Pakistan) list of 30 renowned Pakistanis who have contributed significantly to their nation’s pride.
Awards of Hadiqa Kiani
Hadiqa Kiani has performed at some of the most famous places in the world and has won many national and foreign awards. In 2006, Pakistan’s highest civilian award, the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, was given to her for her work in the music business.
- Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Distinction)
- Pride of Pakistan
- Nigar Awards
- NTM Awards
- Pakistan Music Industry Awards
- Waheed Murad Award
- Women’s Excellence Awards
- Brit Asia Music Awards
- Pakistan Style Awards
- International Dynamic Women’s Day Award
- Lux Style Awards
Best Songs of Hadiqa Kiani
| Year | Song |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Humsafar, Rasta Bhool Gaye |
| 2021 | Janay Iss Dil |
| 2019 | Ik Pal, Daachi Waaliya |
| 2017 | Zindagi Khaak Na Thi (Zindagi Gulzar Hai OST), Chaap Tilak |
| 2015 | Janaan |
| 2011 | Hona Tha Pyaar |
| 2002 | Yaad Sajan |
| 1998 | Boohey Barian, Dupatta |