Journalism of Courage
Bollywood is home to people of diverse cultures and when it comes to music, it is boundless. And bring our neighbouring country Pakistan into the arena, and the relationship is one that spans decades. Now, we have got to agree that Pakistani singers and musicians are known for their soul-searing voice, which is what makes them immensely popular in India. From Reshma and Noor Jehan to Adnan Sami (even if he is now an Indian citizen) and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the Indo-Pak musical collaborations have taken the industry by storm. Here's a list of the 10 best Pakistani singers that Bollywood was, and continues to be, lucky to have. (Text: Kamalika Mukherjee)
Adnan Sami- He started his musical career in India with the album ‘Kabhi Toh Nazar Milao’ in 2000 with Asha Bhonsle. Born in Pakistan, Sami later gained an Indian citizenship. A few of his notables songs are Sun Zara (Lucky), Bhar Do Jholi Meri (Barjangi Bhaijaan), Noor E Khuda (My Khan is Khan), Meter Down (Taxi no. 9211), Kiss Me Baby (Garam Masala) and more. (Text: Kamalika Mukherjee, Source: Express Photo)
Shafqat Amanat Ali - We first heard him in ‘Mitwa’ song from the movie Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and since then there’s no stopping this man with a magical voice. A few of his notable works include Mora Saiyyan from his album Khamaj, Aakhon Ke Sagar, Yeh Honsla (Dor), Dil Daara (Ra One), Tu Hi Mera (Jannat 2), Teri Jhuki Nazaar (Murder 3) and many more.(Text: Kamalika Mukherjee, Source: Express Photo)
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan – This mesmerizing singer made his Bollywood debut with the song ‘Mann Ki Lagan’ from Paap (2003). Since then, he given voice to numerous hit numbers. A few notables are Jiya Dhadak Dhadak Jaye (Kalyug), Naina (Omkara), Ore Piya (Aja Nachle), Dil Toh Bachha Hai Ji (Ishqiya) and Ishq Risk (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan).(Text: Kamalika Mukherjee, Source: Express Photo)
Ali Zafar – He rose to fame in Bollywood with ‘Channo’ from the album Huqa Pani. He also acted in many Bollywood films. Some of his songs include Nakhriley (Kill Dill), Dhichkyaaon Dhoom Dhoom (Chashme baddoor), Madhubala (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan).(Text: Kamalika Mukherjee, Source: You tube screen grab )
Atif Aslam – We all know him since his association with Pakistani band ‘Jal’, and his album Doorie which was a hit. He first Bollywood son g was Aadat (Kalyug) followed by Woh Lamhe (Zeher). His notable songs are Jeena Jeena (Badlapur), Ore Piya (Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya), Pehli Nazar Mein (Race), Be Intehaan (Race 2), Tere Bin (Bas Ek Pal).(Text: Kamalika Mukherjee, Source: You tube screen grab )
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan – Known as the “The King of Qawwali”, he was considered one of the greatest voice ever. His Bollywood journey includes movies like Kachche Dhaage and Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya. He sang ‘’saaya bhi saath jab chodd jaye” in the year 1999 for the movie ‘Dillagi’ and ‘Dulhe ka sehra’ from the movie Dhadkan which released in 2000.(Text: Kamalika Mukherjee, Source: Express Photo)
Ustad Ghulam Ali is a Pakistani Ghazal singer of the ‘patiala gharana’. He was introduced to Hindi cinema by BR Chopra in 1982 with the song ‘chupke chupke raat din’ in the movie Nikaah. Other popular ghazals include ‘Hungama hain kyun barpa’, Heer, ‘Kabhi neki mein mujhe’. Recently his show in Mumbai was cancelled following protests by Shiv Sena.(Text: Kamalika Mukherjee, Source: Express Photo)
Mehdi Hassan Khan – Considered as one of the most greatest and influential ghazal singers, Mehdi Hassan Kha’s first song was ‘Jis Ne Mere Dil Ko Dard Diya’ from the film Susral (1962). He also sang a ghazal with Lata Mangeshkar titled ‘Tera Milana’ which was released by HMV. .(Text: Kamalika Mukherjee, Source: You tube screen grab )
Noor Jehan – She was mostly interested in acting. She shared screen with Pran and Sunil Dutt in Khandan (1962). Her first playback singing was for a Pakistani film Chann Wey (1951). She sang with Shanta Apte in the movie Duhai (1943), Salma (1960).(Text: Kamalika Mukherjee, Source: You tube screen grab )
Reshma – She was a renowned folk singer of Pakistan who is also very popular in India. Her famous songs include ‘Lambi Judai’ which was later used by Subhash Ghai in his movie Hero, ‘Laal Meri Pat Rakhio’, ‘Dama Dam Mast Kalander’, ‘Ankhiyan No Rehen De’ which was also recomposed in Lata Mangeshkar's voice for the movie Bobby(1973).(Text: Kamalika Mukherjee, Source: Express Photo)
