The ‘Star of Excellence’

In the short history of the post-colonial subcontinent, one of the most thriving elements of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh is the cultural industry. All three countries have faced innumerable challenges socially, economically and politically, but their artists have always shone through, sometimes through hardships of their own. The renowned Pakistani folk singer, Reshma, was someone who fought through patriarchy and ill health, and still managed to achieve remarkable success. Her passing on November 3 is a great loss.   Reshma was born in Rajasthan, India to a camel and horse trader whose tribe had converted to Islam. Due to a lack of birth records, it is unclear when exactly she was born, but it is generally accepted to be sometime shortly before the Partition of India in August 1947. Following the Partition, she and her family moved to Karachi, Pakistan. She did not receive any formal education and spent most of her childhood singing in the mazars (shrines) of Sufi saints in Sindh.   When she was 12 years old, a television and radio producer happened to hear her  singing at Shahbaaz Qalander’s shrine. Enthralled by her voice, he persuaded her family to let her recording of “Laal Meri” be broadcast on radio. It became an instant hit and the masses began to clamour for more. Over the years, she recorded hits such as “Dama Dam Mast Kalander”, “Wey Main Chori Chori” and “Akhiyan No Rehen De Ankhyan De Kol Kol”. Raj Kapoor used this last song in the film Bobby, although it had to be performed by Lata Mangeshkar, since Pakistani musicians were not allowed in India at the time.   This was no longer the case in the 1980s as both countries began cultural exchanges to improve relations and Reshma was finally able to perform live in India, including in her birth place, Rajasthan. Subhash Ghai used her voice in the film Hero, her first playback contract in India, including her famous song “Lambi Judai”. This cemented her cult status on both sides of the border. She would go on to meet then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi before returning home to continue her celebrated career.   Despite her popularity, Reshma had to overcome severe social challenges. She grew up in a patriarchal society and struggled through an industry that was overtly male-dominated. The very producer who first brought her to the nation’s attention attempted to control her early career. However, with her parents’ blessing, she displayed a fierce independence that ensured that she would not only achieve iconic success, but also eventually become a role model for others suffering from societal suppression. She is often cited as an inspiration by other Pakistani female singers, including her younger sister, Kaneez. Reshma was diagnosed with throat cancer around 1985, when her career had just reached its zenith. Over the following years, her health deteriorated severely, and successive administrations (especially the respective Culture Ministers) took great pains to assist her with her medical bills. Alongside fighting her cancer, Reshma continued to perform, recording songs in Pakistan and India well into the late 2000s.   Unfortunately, her health continued to fail and she slipped into a coma while in the hospital for treatment in October of this year, before passing away a month later. A recipient of the Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence), Pakistan’s third highest civilian honour, Reshma’s passing has deprived Pakistani culture of one its brightest talents. In an age when patriarchy and suppression of the arts has begun to plague parts of the country once again, this is a tragedy indeed. Women need more role models like her and it is hoped that her legacy will continue to serve as an inspiration.