Zarina Baloch

Zarina Baloch (29 December 1931 – 25 October 2005) was a Sindhi folk music singer, vocalist and composer from the Sindh province of Pakistan. She was also an actress, Radio and TV artist, writer, teacher for over 30 years, political activist and social worker. She is notable for her revolutionary songs and resistance against the military dictatorship of General Zia-ul-Haq.

Imprisonment and political activism In 1979, Zarina was arrested and imprisoned in Sukkur and Karachi jails for leading the protests against President General Zia-ul-Haq's martial law. Because of her struggle against the ruling classes and against gender discrimination, feudalism and martial laws of Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan, she earned the title of JeeJee (mother) of the Sindhi people. She was one of the leading founders of Sindhiani Tahreek, Women's Action Forum, Sindhi Adabi Sangat and Sindhi Haree Committee. She was fluent in Sindhi, Urdu, Seraiki, Balochi, Persian, Arabic and Gujrati.

Filmography Television YearTitleRoleNetwork1984 Ana Razia PTV1986 Jungle Sadoori

Awards and recognition Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan in 1994 Faiz Ahmed Faiz Award Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) Award Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Award Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Award

Art and literary contributions She wrote many songs and poetry which became popular among the nationalists in Sindh and Balochistan. She was the author of several stories and poems, and her book Tunhinjee Gola Tunhinjoon Galhion was published in 1992.

Famous songs "Mor Tho Tilley Rana" "Sabhka Moomal Sabbko Raarno" "Tunhnjii Yaarii" "Sindhri tey sir ker na dendo" "Kaang Lanvain" "Guzrii Vaii Barsaat" "Bbii Khabar Na Aahai Par" "Kiin Karyaan Maan" "Jjariyan Bhar Jaaiyoon" "Saavak Rat main Saanvara" "Paee Yaad Aaya" "Gehraa Gehraa Nairn"