The 80th birthday of renowned Pakistani playback singer and “Ko-Ko-Korina” famed Ahmed Rushdi was marked on Thursday across the film and showbiz industry.
Born on April 24, 1934 in Hyderabad Deccan of British India, Rushdi belonged to a conservative and traditional family.
Rushdi was fond of listening to music from a very young age and would often hum his favourite tunes.
Even though he had no family background in singing, Rushdi’s talent and passion landed him in a local music academy where he learned music from the popular composers of the time, M.A. Rauf and Iqbal Qureshi.
He was trained in classical music from Ustad Nathu Khan.
He made his debut in singing in the Indian film Ibrat in 1951.
In 1954, he migrated to Pakistan and began his musical career here. He participated in various variety shows and music programs on radio.
He recorded his first non-film song “”Bunder Road se Keemari”, for Radio Pakistan’s show Bacchon Ki Dunya which was an instant hit.
From there on, there was no stopping for the singing maestro.
He sang for various films including Bara Admi, Wah Rey Zamaney, Raat Ke Rahi, Yeh Dunya, Anokhi, Raaz and many others.
He received his first Nigar Award as Best Male Playback Singer in 1961 for “Chand Sa Mukhra Gora Badan” in the film Saperan.
He is also the melodious voice behind the catchy “Gol Gappay Wala Aaya” in film Mehtaab.
In 1966, he sang “Ko Ko Koreena”, considered the first modern Pakistani pop song.
He lent his voice for many film heroes, comedians as well as villains played by Waheed Murad, Nadeem, Santosh Kumar, Darpan, Habib, Rehman, Ghulam Mohiuddin , Munawar Zarif, Lehri, Nirala, Nanha and Rangeela.
He passed away on April 11, 1983 following a heart attack.
On his death, actor Waheed Murad said. “Today I have lost my voice.”
Rushdi received around 21 awards in his entire lifetime while was awarded with Pride of Performance, the highest civil award, in 2004.
He was also awarded tributes by Indus TV in 2005, and a Lifetime Achievement Award by Lux Style Awards in 2012.