Showbiz

The Many Faces of Ikhlaq Ahmed

Written by Omair Alavi

By: Omair Alavi Whenever the history of Pakistani cinema will be written, Ikhlaq Ahmed’s name will appear as one of the top playback singers of the country. The veteran singer may have died 18 years back but his legacy lives on with his work as a vocalist. He sang on many actors during his…

SAMAA | Omair Alavi – Posted: Aug 4, 2017 | Last Updated: 4 years ago

By: Omair Alavi

Whenever the history of Pakistani cinema will be written, Ikhlaq Ahmed’s name will appear as one of the top playback singers of the country. The veteran singer may have died 18 years back but his legacy lives on with his work as a vocalist. He sang on many actors during his career including Rahat Kazmi, Alauddin and Ahsan Khan, but here we will look at the prominent ones for whom he did playback singing occasionally.

Nadeem (Kabhi Khwahishon Ne Loota – Meherbani)

Most of Ikhlaq Ahmed’s songs were filmed on Nadeem – ironically it was Nadeem who introduced him to films with Mitti Kay Putlay. This is one of the many Nadeem – Ikhlaq songs that became a rage in the 70s and the 80s.

Rehman (Dekho Yeh Kaun Aagaya – Do Saathi)

During the 70s, Ikhlaq was the voice for Rehman, especially after delivering the classic Saawan Aaye in Chahat. This Robin Ghosh song is still popular after 4 decades.

Waheed Murad (Saathi Mere – Zubaida)

Although Ahmed Rushdi was the voice favoured for Waheed Murad in the 70s, in the latter part of the decade, Ikhlaq Ahmed shared the first place with A Nayyar, Ghulam Abbas and others.

Mohammad Ali (Taqdeer Kay Haathon Main – Aadmi)

He may not have sung much for Mohammad Ali but this song was one of the more popular ones when it was released in the 70s.

Ghulam Mohiuddin (Chalo Ik Faisla Karlein – Mohabbat Aur Mehengai)

Ghulam Mohiuddin was the goto guy in the 70s who would be teamed with each and every actress, here he lip syncs Ikhlaq Ahmed in one of his earlier films.

Sultan Rahi (Raaste Ka Pathar – Raaste Ka Pathar)

This song became popular because of Ikhlaq Ahmed’s range and variation – don’t look at the actor because you will not be able to believe your eyes.

Faisal (Loota Qarar Mere Mann Ka – Nadaani)

Ikhlaq Ahmed was Faisal Rehman’s voice from Nahin Abhi Nahi till his retirement from films a decade later and this song shows you why the two gelled perfectly!

Asif Raza Mir  (Jab Tak Yeh Zamana – Do Dil)

Asif Raza Mir worked in more than a dozen films – Ikhlaq Ahmed was one of the many vocalists who lent their voices for him.

Jawed Sheikh (Neeli Neeli Aankhon Main – Hum Aur Tum)

The 80s belonged to Javed Sheikh and Ikhlaq was used as his playback singer in many a films including this one.

Ismail Shah (Dil Hai Deewana – Joshila Dushman)

Like Ikhlaq, Ismail Shah also died young but not before dancing into the hearts of many and showing his skills as an actor on TV and films.

Arbaaz Khan (Kaise Jiyen Tere Bin – Ghoonghat)

Ghoonghat (along with Nikaah) was one of the last films for which Ikhlaq Ahmed did playback singing; the song still sounds fresh after 20 years and is a testament of Ikhlaq’s longevity as a vocalist.

About the author

Omair Alavi

Omair Alavi is a highly regarded journalist, critic, and commentator, specializing in news, sports, showbiz, film, blogs, articles, drama, reviews, and PTV drama. With extensive experience and a keen eye for storytelling, he captivates audiences with his insightful analysis and compelling presentations. His expertise and contributions have made him a prominent figure in the media and entertainment industry.