Four years later, the nation still mourns the loss of Reshma

Family and friends play tribute to the late Reshma

LAHORE: The fourth death anniversary of the renowned folk singer of Pakistan Reshma, will be celebrated today, on the November 3. Reshma’s death anniversary ceremony will be held at her residence in Lahore, whereas showbiz celebrities have long termed her as the Bulbul-e-Sehra and the sweetest voice of the country.

PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID

“Reshma was the pride of our community and the Pakistani nation. We still miss her voice that was no doubt, a voice of Bulbul-e-Sehra. She dedicated her entire life to this country so it is a request to everyone, to not ignore such great singers and pay tribute to their services,” said Naseebo Laal.

Celebs take to Twitter to mourn Reshma’s passing

Reshma was a legendary folk singer of Pakistan who was awarded the pride of performance award and a Sitara-e-Imtiaz for her wonderful contribution to the music industry. She was also an inspiration for many others, especially people belonging to nomad families which paved way for other singers like Naseebo Laal and Farah Laal.

PHOTO: Imran

Reshma was born in Rajasthan, India and migrated to Pakistan after partition. She did not originally belong to a family of singers; however, she started her career singing at the Shrines of Sindh, especially Laal Shahbaz Qalandar where she practiced her song Dhamal. Her voice was aired on Radio Pakistan in 1968 and she later came into the limelight when she sang O Laal Meri. This boosted her career and she started singing for both, Pakistani and Indian films as well as many live performances. Her songs Lambi Judai, Kithay Nain Na Jori, Ve Mein Chori Chori Tere Naal, Ankhiyan Nu Rehn De are covered by many young artists now and are still remembered by her fans all over the world. She was also invited by the former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and a road was named in her honour.

PHOTO: Faisal Farooqui

Reshma’s son, Sawan said, “My mother was a great singer and she was equally popular in Pakistan and India. Wherever she went, she earned fame for this country and I think her death anniversary should be celebrated at a government level. She was given respect by the Indian prime minister just on the basis of her singing so I believe that we should not forget such an asset of our industry. This year I am again celebrating my mother’s death anniversary by inviting her fans and colleagues.”

Tribute to Reshma: Celebrating a folk legend

Famous lyric-writer Altaf Bajwa, also quoted that, “Reshma was a brave singer and a true Pakistani as she did not leave Pakistan after receiving fame in India and other countries as I knew that she was getting offers. She was a brave lady as she spent almost three decades battling cancer but she was appearing at music programmes and was entertaining the public till her very last day.”

PHOTO: DHAKA TRIBUNE

After a long drawn, cumbersome fight with cancer, Reshma died on November 3, 2013 at a private hospital in Lahore leaving behind divine melodies for us to cherish for years to come.

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