Reshma (1947 – 2013) was a famous Pakistani folk singer who gained massive popularity for her mesmerizing voice. He received the third highest honor and civilian award in Pakistan, the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, and is also known as the nightingale of the desert. He recorded many folk songs for Radio Pakistan and is still remembered for his legendary songs in the Pakistani and Indian film Industry. People still remember him for his famous song, Lambi Judai.
Wiki/Biography
Reshma was born in 1947 (age 66 years; at time of death) into a Banjara household in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan, India. He was one month old when his tribe moved to Karachi after the partition of India. His family didn’t really emphasize his studies. He had no training or family background in music. However, he spent his early years singing in the temples of Sindh, Pakistan. He gave his first singing performance in 1965 when he was 17 years old.
Singer Reshma
Family & Ethnicity
Reshma belongs to a Muslim family.
Parents & Siblings
He was born to Haji Muhammad Mushtaq, a horse and camel trader. His father was from Malachi, Iran, and they came from a tribe that embraced Islam. He also has a younger sister named Kaneez Reshma.
Husband & Son
Reshma has three children, Umair (son), Sawan Ali (son), and Khadijah (daughter). His son Sawan Ali is married to Mehru Reshma who used to perform in Lok Virsa as the famous singer’s son and daughter-in-law.
Reshma Sawan Ali and Mehru Reshma’s son performed at the Lok Mela Event
Career
He was discovered by local producer Saleem Gilani while he was singing at the Lal Shahbaz Qalander temple. He offered her to record a song for Radio Pakistan. His first recorded song, Laal Meri Pat Rakhio, became a huge hit, and this song paved the way for his singing journey.
Singer Reshma in her youth
He gained fame and worked in both Pakistani and Indian Film industries. He is the voice behind many popular songs including Ankhiyaan Nu Rehn De, Sada Chidiyaan Da Chamba Vey, Oh Laal Meri, and Haaye Oh Rabba. His famous song Ankhiyan nu rehen de ankhyan de kol kol was used by Raj Kapoor in his film Bobby as Ankhyon ko rehne de ankhyon ke aas pass, sung by Lata Mangeshkar. The depth and quality of her voice influenced filmmaker Subhash Ghai to use her voice in the film Hero for the popular song Lambi Judai. He also performed live in India when India and Pakistan allowed exchange of artists. In 2004, he recorded the song, Ashkan Di Gali Vich Mukaam De Gaya, for the Bollywood film Woh Tere Naam Tha. He was the voice of peace who became the first passenger of the Lahore – Amritsar bus.
Singer Reshma became the first passenger of the Lahore Amritsar bus
Reshma once said,
borders don’t matter to me… because, an artist belongs to all.”
He was once invited to meet Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for his legendary work. Reshma had throat cancer and that was the reason she took a long break from singing.
Death
Reshma had throat cancer for a long time and was in a coma for a month when she died. He was admitted to Doctors Hospital Lahore on 6 April 2013. He lost all his wealth until his death and the Government of Pakistan decided to pay all his medical expenses. But unfortunately, he could not be saved.
Singer Reshma was hospitalized in her last days
After his death, his friend and famous folk singer spoke about him to the media and he said,
Reshma is a magician who can kill with her voice. She is the first lady of Pakistani folk music.’
Awards & Honors
- In 1982, he received the Pride of Performance Award from the Government of Pakistan.
- In 2008 he received the Sitara-i-Imtiaz award, also known as the Star of Excellence award, by the President of Pakistan.
Singer Reshma in her old age
Favourite
- Food: Reshma loves vegetarian food and likes to eat saag with roti makai and roti Missi.
- Songs: Qawwali Shehbaaz Qalandar and Rasik Balma
- Singers: Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar
Facts/Trivia
- Contrary to his culture, he is a vegetarian by choice.
Singer Reshma is a vegetarian
- He started singing at the age of 12.
- She is a famous singer who is also known as Bulbule Sehra.
- She is always dressed in Salwar Kameez and always covers her head with her dupatta. He is a talented singer and always avoids histrionics in his performances.
- He always sings in public and is absolutely terrified when he sees a recording studio for the first time. Pakistan Radio Producer Sarvat Ali Khan said,
He refused to enter the studio, and said a man was standing inside, referring to a pole-like structure which was actually a microphone.’
- After recording his first song for Radio Pakistan, he and his family fled in fear and could not be traced. After hearing about the popularity of the song, they came back again for Reshma’s career.
- At the time of his health crisis, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf helped him and provided financial assistance of Rs. 1 crore to repay the bank loan.
Categories: Biography
Source: SCHOOL TRANG DAI
