Pakistani singer Bilqees Khanum passes away

Renowned singer Bilqees Khanum passed away in Karachi on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. Her funeral prayers will be held at Imam Bargah Khairul Amal on Thursday.

Khanum was a big name in showbiz circles and her singing is an inspiration for newcomers. She received her initial training from her maternal grandfather Inayat Ali Khan and then made her place in the industry by adopting a unique style.

Her husband Ustad Raees Khan, the legendary sitar performer of the subcontinent, passed away in 2017. She is survived by her four sons, two of whom are in India while the other two live in Pakistan.

Her sons in India, are carrying the legacy of their father’s Mewaat family with Sohail Raees Khan a known sitar performer while Shahzan Khan is a famous Indian TV star. Hazoor Hussnain and Farhan Raees Khan, who live in Pakistan, are also sitar performers.

Bilqees Khanum was a treasure to Pakistani Music Industry. She has given some of the evergreen songs to Pakistani Film industry as well. Her tracks recently were featured on Spotify, a music streaming app. Her popular songs include Faasle Aise Bhi Honge, Kuch Din Toh Baso Meri Aankhon Mein, Wo Toh Khushboo Hai, Anokha Ladla and Chaap Tilak.

She has sung poets like Parveen Shakir and others who hold a legendary place in Urdu Literature. She was one of the senior vocal artists of Pakistan according to Rekhta. She was fourth wife of classical satirist Nawaz Raees Khan.

She has given some of the best ever green songs to pakistan insdustry including chap tilak ,woh tu khushbo hai, fasle aise bhi hoonge and more which were recently featured on spotify .Bilkees khanum was one of the talented personality of Pakistan and also she has sung poets of the legendary Urdu poet like Parveen Shakir and others .