Reshma is a Pakistani folk singer. She was born in Bikaner in Rajasthan to a gypsy family. Her family crossed over to Pakistan during partition. She was discovered by the Pakistan radio and soon her voice was all around. Allah granted her with voice that could be envy of angels. Her voice is so powerful, she needs no musical accompaniments. Rather at times, the loud music seems to distract rather than add to Reshma's voice.
Some of her famous numbers are "Dama Dam Mast Kalandar", "Hai O Rabba nahion lagda dil mera", "Sun charkhe di mithi mithi cook mahiya meinu yaad aunda", "Ankhiyan no rehen de ankhyan de kol kol".
The last was used by Raj Kapoor in Bobby, "Ankhyon ko rehne de ankhyon ke aas pass", sung by Lata. Her fame had wafted across border, thanks to pirated tapes. She was able to perform live in India much later, during the 80s when India and Pakistan allowed exchange of artists. Subhash Ghai used her voice to great effect in 'Lambi Judai' (Hero).
She cannot read and write and usually prefaces her songs with some funny anecdote related to her rustic ways. There was something about telling the ages of children by the number of times one has eaten kharbooje since. She usually champions the cause of Indo-Pakistan friendship, her rustic punjabi is a delight to hear.
My favorite Reshma songs are the more playful "Mainu sohna jiya mahi dildar milya" "Mahi gal jad karda hai baan phad ke" "Main chori chori tere naal la laia ankhan ve"
