Written by: Mahnoor Fatima
Posted on: May 20, 2020 | 
| 中文
The Benjamin Sisters in their Televison Debut on Silver Jubilee
If one asks Pakistanis who grew up in the 80’s about their favorite singers, they will often reply swiftly, “The Benjamin Sisters!” These three ladies, with starry eyes and twinkling voices, graced the PTV screens for most of the ‘80s, singing songs like Laila Laila, Jiya Gaye Tara Rara Rum (My Heart Sings Tara Rara Rum), Gaari ko Chalana Babu Zara Halke Halke (Drive Slow, Sir!), which people can still recall quite clearly. Their career is an interesting example of how a singing trio of Christian girls became one of the biggest pop groups of Pakistan.
The sisters Nerissa, Beena, and Shabana were encouraged to sing by their xylophone-playing father, Victor Benjamin. Musicians like Benjamin and other Christian Jazz artists were applauded throughout the ‘50 and ‘60s, as they filled hotels and clubs with their carefully crafted music. The sisters sang at the Sunday School choir at Christ Church, Rawalpindi, the only formal music training they received.
They were introduced to the industry by Javed Allah Ditta, a renowned sitar player and member of the PIA Arts Academy, along with the famous composer Sohail Rana. This was a culture initiative funded by the Pakistan International Airlines to promote arts and culture in Pakistan, as well as showcase the rich arts of Pakistan to international audiences. In 1983, the sisters sang their famous anthem, “Khayal Rakhna (Take Care)” with the already-established singer Alamgir.
The Benjamin Sisters Singing with Alamgir at an Awards Show
The Benjamin Sisters made their television debut at the ages of 21, 16 and 15 respectively. They featured on Anwar Maqsood’s show Silver Jubilee (1983) on Pakistan Television (PTV), which paid tribute to artists of the bygone era with recent covers of their greatest hits. What was distinct about their delicate voices was that they synchronized into one multi-textured voice, complementing each other and whoever they sang along with.
They were so popular that what was initially a one-time show, turned into a regular television spot with the growth of their popularity. Throughout their careers, they remained loyal to PTV, and were guided by the likes of Rana, Maqsood and Shoaib Mansoor to create performances that captured the hearts of millions.
Their skill and dedication for remaining perfectly on pitch was complimented by their wholesome and feminine hairstyles and identical designer outfits. They would bob their head slightly to the music, but would keep a dignified, choir-like manner as they sang. Such a combination of undeniable talent and accessible femininity, allowed them to make pop music that captured the cultural zeitgeist.
L to R Nerissa Benjamin, Shabana Benjamin and Madam Noor Jehan
Very few artists in Pakistan have had an entire phenomenon named after them, but the Benjamin Sisters Phenomenon took the country by storm. They were so popular that they could scarcely leave without being surrounded by a crowd. People often emulated their hairstyles and clothes, and had a favorite sister. They appealed to audiences of all ages, across Pakistan and North India, with their talent and uniquely crafted image.
What is most notable about their fame is that even during the Zia-ul-Haq era, which saw massive media censorship and a curtailing of female mobility, they were adored and revered as television staples. Besides singing innocent love ballads, they sang patriotic milli nagmas like Aye Rooh-e-Quaid Aaj ke Din (Oh Spirit of Quaid-e-Azam) and Hum Zinda Quam Hain (We are a Thriving Nation), which used simple and catchy melodies to convey a genuine love for the nation.
The Benjamin SIsters Singing on PTV
The Benjamin Sisters disappeared in 1987 when the eldest sister Nerrisa got married, and their personal lives became a bigger priority than their career. Interest in their whereabouts resurged recently, with the advent of social media, and the ability to stream their old shows and songs on YouTube.
With new, up-and-coming female artists like Zoe Viccaji, Natasha Noorani and the All-Girl Band on shows like Nescafe Basement and Coke Studio, fans began to wonder when the Benjamin Sisters or their songs would make an appearance on present-day screens. So far, there are no known plans to regroup and sing anywhere. But, in an interview with Express Tribune, they agreed that if they were to sing their iconic milli naghmay, they would do so with a fresh and different take.
The Benjamin Sisters Today
The Benjamin Sisters belonged to a by-gone era, in which national institutions protected and cultivated young talent. Viewers loved them for their dignified yet youthful performances, and some of their patriotic numbers were quite soul stirring for the public. They are important pillars of Pakistani pop music, and rightly belong in the pantheon of immensely talented female singers this country has produced.
To listen to one of their signature songs, click the Featured Video.
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