Legendary Pakistani folk
singer Reshma, who mesmerised music lovers beyond borders with her soulful
rendition of songs like 'Dama Dam Mast Kalandar' and 'Lambi Judai' in her
trademark rustic voice, passed away in Lahore on Sunday after suffering from
throat cancer.
Born around 1947 in Bikaner, Rajasthan, in a Banjara family, She
is survived by son Umair and daughter Khadija. Reshma's tribe had migrated to
Karachi shortly after partition.
Reshma was under treatment after being diagnosed with the
disease years ago and
Reshma fell into a
coma in October 2013 and died on 3 November 2013 in a Lahore hospital.
Having received no formal education in music, she was only 12
when she was spotted singing at Shahbaz Qalander's shrine by a television and
radio producer, who arranged for her to record the iconic song 'Laal Meri' on
state-run Pakistan radio.
The song was an instant hit, and Reshma went on to become one of
the most popular folk singers of Pakistan, appearing on television in the
1960s, as well as recording songs for both the Pakistani and Indian film
industry.
The song was an instant hit, and Reshma went on to become one of
the most popular folk singers of Pakistan, appearing on television in the
1960s, as well as recording songs for both the Pakistani and Indian film
industry.
Some of her famous numbers include 'Hai O Rabba nahion lagda dil
mera' and 'Ankhiyan no rehen de ankhyan de kol kol'. Reshma, who has a massive
and loyal fan following, was awarded several national awards including prestigious
awards 'Sitara-i-Imtiaz' and 'Legends Of Pakistan' given by the President of
Pakistan.
She was unaffected by fame, sticking to her traditional dress.
She was able to perform live in India much later, during the 1980s when India
and Pakistan allowed exchange of artistes. Filmmaker Subhash Ghai used her
voice in the film 'Hero', which featured one of her most famous songs 'Lambi
Judai'.
During her career, she was invited to meet Prime Minister Indira
Gandhi.
She was awarded the ‘Sitara-i-Imtiaz’ and ‘Legends of Pakistan’
by the President.
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