LAHORE: Renowned Pakistani singer who gained popularity for his song ‘Zindagi paani da bulbula’, Yaqoob Atif Bulbula passed away here on Friday.
The singer suffered from paralysis two years ago. The funeral prayers of Bulbula were offered in Garhi Shahu area of the city. The news of his demise was also shared by Pakistani actor Khaled Anam. “Yakoob Atif Bulbulla [is] no more. May he rest in peace,” he wrote on Instagram.
The singer, largely called ‘Bulbula Saheb’ by his close friends, performed in Pakistan as well as abroad. He appeared in roles ranging from peon to king in film and television. In PTV plays, he had roles in Waris, Andhera Ujala, Aj di Kahani while in films he featured in ‘Pappu Lahoria’ and many more.
Bulbula was the first-ever Punjabi rap singer. He released his first song ‘Zindagi paani da bulbula’ in October 1979. Singer and PTI leader Abrar ul Haq also sang the same song for the film Zinda Bhaag, which was released in 2013.
Showing vocal talent at an early age, Yaqoob was asked to take the lead in the morning assembly at school by the headmaster. From ‘Lab pe aati hai dua’, he went on to recite naats. Bulbula was a simple man who was well aware of the fact that he couldn’t receive his due share of fame or fortune from the industry.
