Abida Parveen, a name synonymous with Sufi music, is a multifaceted artist from Pakistan. Her profound influence on the music world transcends borders, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and spiritual depth.
Wiki/Biography
Born on Saturday, February 20, 1954, in Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan, Abida Parveen’s zodiac sign is Pisces. She received classical music training from her father, Ustad Ghulam Haider, a renowned singer and teacher, and further honed her skills under Ustad Salamat Ali Khan of the Sham Chaurasia Gharana. Beyond her musical pursuits, she also holds a master’s degree and is fluent in several languages including Urdu, Hindi, Sindhi, and Persian.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’4″
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Husband
Abida Parveen hails from a Muslim family. Her father’s musical legacy significantly shaped her career. She has two brothers. In 1975, she married Ghulam Hussain Sheikh, a senior producer at Radio Pakistan. Sadly, he passed away from a heart attack during an international flight in the early 2000s. She has two daughters, Pereha Ikram and Mariam Hussain, both entrepreneurs, and a son, Sarang Latif, a music director.
Career
Abida’s musical journey began early; she sang her first Kalam at just three years old and started performing commercially at six. Her career blossomed through performances at Dargahs and Urs in the early 1970s. She gained recognition through Radio Pakistan in 1973 and became an official singer for the station in 1977. Her television debut was in Sultana Siddiqui’s “Awaz-o-Andaz” in 1980.
Her diverse career includes numerous compositions, international tours, and collaborations. While she hasn’t sung for films directly, her pre-recorded songs have featured in many. Her first film appearance was in “Zill-e-Shah” (2008) with the song “Sajjan de Haath.” She also created the original soundtrack for “Shehr-e-Zaat” (2012) with the song “Yaar ko Humne”. Her debut album, “Ji Sindhi Mehfil,” was released in 1981, with “Raqs-e-Bismil” (2001) becoming one of her most acclaimed works.
Awards & Honours
Abida Parveen has received numerous prestigious awards and accolades throughout her career, including:
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Pride of Performance Award | 1984 |
| Shah Bhitthai Award | (Year unavailable) |
| Sachal Sarmast Honor | (Year unavailable) |
| Sitara-e-Imtiaz Award | 2005 |
| Hilal-e-Imtiaz Award | 2012 |
| Wonder Woman of the Year | 2013 |
| Gold Crown Award (40 years in Music) | 2014 |
| Ambassador’s Recognition Award | 2015 |
| Several other awards from various international festivals and organizations. | (Years unavailable) |
Favourite Things
- Food: Karela Gosht, Beh Qeema, Bhindi
- Actor(s): Nadeem Baig, Mohammad Ali
- Poet(s): Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Bulleh Shah, Rumi, Kabir Das
- Singer(s): Lata Mangeshkar, Ghulam Ali, Mehdi Hassan
- TV Show: “Little House on the Prairie”
- Movie: Aan (1952)
- Book: “Abyaat” by Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
Facts
Abida’s deep connection to music started in childhood, with her father recognizing her exceptional talent early on. Her life has been a testament to her dedication to her art and her unique style, both in her music and her personal attire.
She is known for her mastery of various musical genres, including Ghazals, Thumri, Khyal, Qawwali, and Sufi rock. However, her expertise lies in Kafis, a solo genre. After her husband’s passing, her daughter Mariam took over managing her career, leading to a more commercial approach.
Abida has collaborated with numerous artists, appearing on Coke Studio and participating in international projects. She has overcome health challenges, demonstrating remarkable resilience, and continues to inspire audiences worldwide with her powerful performances and message of spirituality.
