The rivalry between India and Pakistan is no new affair. Every cricketing season, the nationalist fervour rises anew in everyone’s hearts, on both sides of the border. However, on the other hand, there have been occasions where they have joined together and ended up with invaluable talent. The Bollywood music industry is a great melting pot of mixed talent. This list of the top 10 Pakistani Singers in India can prove this.
1. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Arguably one of the most popular singers on this list, he was a vocalist and a harmonium/table player. He is credited with popularising Qawwali music and bringing it into the mainstream and was therefore called the King of Kings of Qawwali.
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Source: Flickr
2. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
The nephew of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, was trained by him from a young age and went on tours with him as well. A popular Qawwali singer like his uncle, he also made his Bollywood singing debut with the song ‘Mann Ki Lagan’ from the movie Paap.
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Source: Wikipedia
3. Ali Zafar
Ali Zafar is a powerhouse of talent as he sings, acts, paints and is a humanitarian. Some of his songs in Bollywood include Madhubala, Ting Rang, Aaja, etc.
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Source: Instagram
4. Atif Aslam
Atif Aslam is yet another gifted sensation in both India and Pakistan, who is a playback singer, actor and composer. His unique vocals set him apart. Some of his songs include O’Meri Laila, Dil Diyan Gallan, Tu Jaane Na, etc.
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Source: Instagram
5. Ghulam Ali
One of the most popular ghazal singers of his time, Ghulam Ali learned music from Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and his siblings as well. His famous ghazals include Saaqi Sharab Laa, Dil Buk Buk Ahro, etc.
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Source: Wikipedia
6. Reshma
Reshma was a legendary folk singer, whose strong, powerful voice was her most recognisable trait. Her song Laal Meri is what brought her life-changing recognition. Lambi Judai is another of her famous songs.
7. Shafqat Amanat Ali
Shafqat Amanat Ali is a singer popular in the genres of pop and classical music. He has performed in bands and has worked as a playback singer in the Indian film industry. Some of his popular songs include Dildaara, Mitwa, Bin Tere, etc.
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Source: Instagram
8. Noor Jehan
Noor Jehan, who had a long career spanning many decades was so beloved and skilled in her talent that she was given the title ‘Queen of Melody.’ She could sing a number of genres, including Hindustani classical music.
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Source: Wikipedia
9. Zebunnisa Bangash
She is a singer-composer who kickstarted her career along with her cousin Haniya Aslam, in a group called Zeb and Haniya. Since then, she has sung a number of Bollywood songs, including Dil Ki Baat, Naache Re, Ajnabi, etc.
10. Farhan Saeed
Farhan Saeed is a singer who also began his career in a band, which Atif Aslam was also a part of. He made his Bollywood debut with the song Naam-e-wafa.
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Source: Instagram
Go ahead and give these Pakistani singers in India a listen, if you haven’t already!
Read also: 10 Best South Indian Singers Of All Time Who Will Have You Spellbound