Well-known Pakistani vocalist, Yaqoob Atif Bulbula, passed away in Lahore on Friday. He had been struggling with paralysis for the past two years. Bulbula gained fame for singing the melodious track ‘Zindagi paani da bulbula.’ The funeral was held at Garhi Shahu. Pakistani actor Khaled Anam expressed his sorrow on Instagram and prayed for the departed soul.
Celebrated as “Bulbula Saheb” by everyone, the singer performed both locally and internationally. His contribution to the entertainment industry is considered invaluable. In television dramas, such as Waris, Andhera Ujala, and Aj di Kahani, he played peon to king roles, whereas in films like Pappu Lahoria, he demonstrated his acting skills.
Bulbula was the pioneer of Punjabi rap music and released his first song ‘Zindagi paani da bulbula’ in October 1979. Abrarul Haq also sang the same song in the movie ‘Zinda Bhaag,’ which was released in 2013.
Bulbula was recognized for his singing talent from an early age and was asked by the headmaster to lead the morning assembly at school. He recited naats after ‘Lab pe aati hai dua.’ Despite his undeniable talent, he always accepted that he did not receive the recognition and reward he deserved from the entertainment industry.