Reshma the folk singer of Pakistan was a big name in the Pakistani music scene. Reshma was born in Rajasthan India in 1947.
Shortly after Pakistan gained independence, Reshma’s family migrated to Pakistan. Her family belonged to a tribe of gypsies who reared camels and sold them. She started her singing career in 1968.
Reshma’s talent was discovered by the Radio Pakistan, a couple of songs later Reshma became a household name. She touched the hearts of the people with her raw soul stirring vocals. Her voice was pure, deep and vibrant; truly the voice of the desert.
People were not only fascinated by her voice but also her simple ways. She never received any formal training of music as a matter of fact she never received any education at all. Reshma had her own interesting style of remembering the lyrics.
She was proud of her humble origins and the glitz of the glamour world did not mar her simplicity. Reshma had countless fans in other countries too. She also recorded a song for an Indian movie in the 80s.
The song was a mega hit. Reshma performed in many countries and was invited by many governments; all in awe of her magnificent voice and her simple personality.
Reshma resided in Dubai. She was suffering from cancer and like other legends whose soulful renditions had brought joy to us on countless occasions; she had been abandoned by us Pakistanis when she needed us the most.
She fell into a coma in October 2013 and passed away on 3rd November, 2013 in Lahore. She was awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz by the government of Pakistan in 2008. She was also awarded Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan in 1982. Her younger sister Kaneez Reshma is also a professional singer.
