Great Lives

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Factual: Life Stories

Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

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Great Lives: Noor-Un-Nissa Inayat Khan

Noor-Un-Nissa Inayat Khan

BBC Radio 4 - Great Lives, Noor-Un-Nissa Inayat Khan

The muslim princess who became a WW2 Special Agent

Noor-Un-Nissa Inayat Khan, the Muslim Indian Princess who became a special agent in World War Two is championed by actor, writer and director Priyanga Burford

Noor-Un-Nissa Inayat Khan was an Indian muslim princess who became an under-cover agent for the ‘SOE’ – Churchill’s Special Operational Executive. She’s one of only a handful of women in the second world war awarded The George Cross, the highest civilian decoration in the UK.

Noor's story will take us from Moscow to London, then Paris. There will be Sufism interwoven with Indian classical music and tales of sultans and maharajas. Her life championed by actor, writer and director Priyanga Burford,  known  for roles in ‘Innocent’ and ‘Silent Witness’ and the comedy series ‘The Thick of It’. She’s also had a brush with espionage herself, appearing as a scientist in the James Bond blockbuster ‘No Time to Die’. 

Having discovered Noor whilst searching for inspiration for her own writing, Priyanga became fascinated by a woman who defied expectations and demonstrated immense courage and bravery. Discussion features guest expert Sufiya Ahmed, author of 'My Story: Noor-Un-Nissa Inayat Khan'.

Presented by Matthew Parris
Produced by Nicola Humphries

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