Indian born singer Reshma, famous for her folk songs and her powerful ringing voice passed away in Lahore on Sunday morning, according to media reports. She was suffering from throat cancer and in a coma for a month.
Reshma often modestly said her voice was a gift from god and she had never done riyaz and had no formal training. She had great humility and was grateful for the all recognition she got.
She sang for the first time at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan, Sindh. Her family didn’t think much of her talent but at the age of 12 she recorded the song Laal Meri on Pakistan Radio and hasn’t looked back since.
She will be remembered for her famous rendition of “Badi Lambi Judai” which she ranked among her favourite songs and many other compositions to which she added a unique touch.
She was born in Bikaner in Rajasthan in a nomadic Banjara community and her family moved to Karachi after 1947. She has sung for both the Pakistan and Indian film industry and performed in India too.
Her fans will remember her for Dama Dam Mast Kalandar, Wey mein chori chori, Ankhiyan nu rehan de and Lambi Judai.
She was awarded the ‘Sitara-i-Imtiaz’ and ‘Legends Of Pakistan’ by the President. In her mid sixties, she is survived by two children. (Agencies)
