Reshma Biography 
Reshma is a Pakistani singer who is equally popular in India as well. She stole millions of Indian hearts singing, ‘Lambi judai’ of Hero (1982). "Dama Dam Mast Kalandar" is another popular song of Reshma still remembered by millions. Reshma was born in Bikaner, Rajasthan to a Banjara (Gypsy) family around 1947. Her tribe migrated to Karachi shortly after the Partition of India. She did not receive any formal education and spent her childhood singing at shrines of Sind provinces.
Her life turned to a ‘U’ curve when she was spotted by a television and radio producer while she was singing at Shahbaaz Qalandar's shrine. He arranged recording of "Laal Meri" on Pakistan radio which became instant hit. Then she became a constant performer at Pakistani radio as well as television, particularly during 60’s and 70’s. Apart from Mast Calendar, her other popular songs are Ankhiyan no rehen de ankhyan, Hai O Rabba nahion lagda dil mera, Wey main chori and Sun charkhe di mithi mithi. Her fame began to cross borders and her songs became immensely popular in India as well. Raj Kapoor used her hit song, "Ankhiyan no rehen de ankhyan de kol kol" as "Ankhyon ko rehne de ankhyon ke aas pass" and it was recorded in Lata Mangeshkar’s voice.
During 80’s, she was able to perform in India, when singing barriers between the two countries were taken. During this time, Subhash Ghai was able to record her voice for his film ‘Hero’ – Lambi judai. The rest is just history! In October 2002 Reshma performed at the Brunei Gallery in London where her daughter Khadija and Umayr also performed. In 2004 she recorded "Ashkan Di Gali Vich Mukaam De Gaya". It was later reused by Bollywood movie – Woh tera naam tha.
On the inaugural trip of Lahore-Amritsar bus in 2006, Reshma was one among those 26 passengers. Reshma was diagnosed with cancer in the 1980s and more recently her health has been deteriorated. Her current residence is in the area of Icchra in Lahore Pakistan. But now she has been hospitalized in Doctors Hospital on 6th April 2013. Government of Pakistan will pay all her medical expenses, as a tribute and honour to this great singer who conquered the world through ‘Dama dam mast calendar’.
Reshma fell into a coma in October 2013 and died on 3 November 2013 in a Lahore hospital.
Published: N/A
Updated: December 11, 2015
