Remembering Reshma on her 5th death anniversary

Showbiz personalities share their sentiments for the legendary folk singer

LAHORE: The 5th death anniversary of renowned folk singer Reshma, also known as Bulbule Sehra, will be observed today at her residence. Her son Sawan Ali has made all the relevant arrangements for the day. "Our family are hosting a ceremony to observe my mother’s death anniversary. I invited all her colleagues among other people from the industry," Sawan told The Express Tribune.

He continued, "My mother was a famous singer and she was equally popular in India as she was in Pakistan. She earned fame wherever she went, all because of her wonderful singing. She made our country proud."

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Numerous showbiz personalities also expressed their sentiments  towards the famed personality; paying tribute to Reshma and her work. According to them, she had the sweetest voice of the era and they miss her very dearly. The Lambi Judai singer was classed as a legend by many and as per her fans, she was the only one of her time to have garnered such a big following - especially in India, where she frequently travelled to perform.

“Today is a sad day for me. Reshma was a legend and her whole life was a struggle, especially her last ten days. Even though she was in a lot of pain, she stayed smiling. There is no doubt about the fact that she was Bulbule Sehra as we never heard a voice like hers," fellow folk singer Shoukat Ali shared.

PHOTO: SCREENGRAB

Reshma was born in Rajashtan, India back in 1947. After Partition, her family migrated to Karachi and later shifted to Lahore. She was not from a family of singers rather a family of nomads. Reshma, however, had been inclined towards learning music ever since her childhood.

She began singing at the shrines of Sindh, especially that of Laal Shahbaz Qalandar where she embraced the art of dhamal singing. The Kithe Nain Na Joren crooner then featured on Radio Pakistan due to her specialised singing style. She has been in the public eye since 1968, after superhit song Laal Meri Pat Rakhiyo made waves.

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Following a successful run on the radio, she moved into the film industry and commenced work for both Pakistani and Indian films. Her songs main Chori Chori Tere Naal, Akhiyon Ko Rehne Akhiyon  and many others quickly became fan favourites.

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Reshma was honoured by former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi and she even has a road to her name in India. Due to her contributions to the music industry, the Hai Rabba hit maker was also awarded the Pride of Performance, Sitara-i-Imtiaz.

"I had the great opportunity of working with Reshma jee. She was an extremely brave soul who fought against her illness till the very last moment. Not only that, she even continued singing during this tough time," shared senior lyricist Altaf Bajwa. "She was very patriotic and was truly in love with our nation and its people. Even though she received a lot of love and fame in India, she chose to stay in Pakistan."

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Her work was truly considered as an asset to our country and her singing inspired young talent to pursue music including Naseebo and Farah LaL. "I learnt a lot from Reshma. She was among the top singers of our country and when I visit India, people still ask me about her," expressed Naseebo.

Reshma passed away on November 3, 2013 at a private hospital in Lahore after a long battle with cancer.

Edited by Ramsha Vistro

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