Lambi Judai singer Reshma loses battle against cancer, dies at 66

Legendary Pakistani folk singer Reshma of Lambi Judai and Dama Dam Mast Kalandar fame is no more as she has lost her prolonged battle against cancer on Sunday, November 3, at the age of 66. The eminent singer, who has been popular for her rustic voice, was suffering from throat cancer which was diagnosed years ago.

Born in Bikaner, Rajasthan, 66-year-old Reshma belonged to a Banjara family and she was known as Nightingale of the Desert. She is survived by her son Umair and daughter Khadija. Reshma’s funeral was attended by her relatives and well wishers. Doctor Rahim from the hospital where she was undergoing treatment, said, "She had been in coma for the last month and was diagnosed with throat cancer some years ago.” After partition Reshma’s tribe migrated to Karachi and the singer once said, "the borders do not matter to me...because, an artiste belongs to all". She also said, "People in India showered me with a lot of admiration. In Pakistan, people have given me respect. But in India also, they listen to me with lot of love. It does not matter to them that I am a Pakistani singer." Though Reshma never received any formal education in music, a television and radio producer,Murtaza Solangi,spotted her at the age of 12 singing at sufi saint Shahbaz Qalander's shrine. The producer made her record the iconic song Laal Meri on state-run Pakistan Radio. Laal Meri was an instant hit and then Reshma never looked back in her singing career. She appeared on television in the 1960s and recorded songs for both the Pakistani and Indian film industry.

Taimur Rahman, lead singer of Pakistani band Laal, mourned, "Singers of that level and magnitude are an institution in themselves and her passing away means a complete era has passed away. It is a huge loss.” Bollywood music composer Vishal Dadlanitweeted,"Tragic. RIP Reshma.” Pakistani band Junoon's former guitarist Salman Ahmad tweeted, "A voice of passion not of this earth (RIP) 'Hayo Rabba'". Some of the most popular songs of Reshma are Hai O Rabba nahion lagda dil mera and Ankhiyan no rehen de ankhyan de kol kol. Reshma, who has never been affected by fame and glamour world, received several national awards including Sitara-i-Imtiaz and Legends Of Pakistan. Reshma was also invited to meet former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, an ardent music lover, also helped her with Rs. 1 million to help pay off a bank loan. When she was hospitalised in Doctors Hospital on April 6, Najam Sethi’s caretaker government announced their decision to bear all her medical expenses. The legendary folk singer, Reshma, will remain in our hearts forever through her memorable soundtracks. May Reshma’s soul rest in peace.