Mumbai: Yesteryear singing superstar Suraiyya died in Mumbai today (Jan 31, 2004) after a brief illness, hospital sources said.

She was 75.

Suraiyya was admitted to Harkishandas Hospital in South Mumbai 15 days ago for various health problems including loss of appetite, low blood sugar and general weakness.

The singing sensation died at 9.25 hrs (IST), the sources said.

Her funeral will be held later in the day.

Known as the singing star, Suraiyya's notable films include 'Afsar', 'Anmol Ghadi', 'Dillagi', 'Mirza Ghalib', 'Parwana', 'Pyar Ki Jeet', 'Rustom Sohrab' and 'Shama Parwana'.

Starting as a child prodigy ('Taj Mahal', 1941), she was the playback singer for Mahtab in 'Sharda' (1942) under the baton of Naushad.

It was in 1943, in the film 'Hamari Baat' that Suraiyya featured for the first time as a singing star.

'Phool' in 1944 won her the national fame.

The charming singer, who began as a supporting actress to Noorjehan in 'Anmol Ghadi' in 1946 and Munawwar Sultana in 'Dard', later went on to play lead roles.

With 'Pyar ki Jeet', 'Badi Bahen' and 'Dillagi', the diva reached the peak of her career.

Though her friendship with actor Dev Anand was a much-discussed one, the singer had chosen to remain a spinster.