Yaqoob Atif Bulbula
Yaqoob Atif Bulbula | |
|---|---|
| Born | Yaqoob Atif 1947 Lahore, Pakistan |
| Died | 13 May 2023 (aged 76) Lahore, Pakistan |
| Citizenship | Pakistani |
| Occupations | Actor and Singer |
| Years active | 1979 - 2021 |
| Known for | Yaqoob Atif Bulbula (his professional name) |
Yaqoob Atif Bulbula (1947 – 13 May 2023) was a Pakistani singer[1][2] and actor.[3][4]
Zindagi Paani da bulbula was his most famous song released in October 1979, music and lyrics by veteran music composer Mian Sheheryar of PTV Lahore.[5][6] Pop artist Abrar-ul-Haq recreated this song in movie Zinda Bhaag in 2013.[2][4][7]
Early life and career
Yaqoob Atif started showing his singing talent while he was still in his high school. School principal or 'headmaster' noticed his talent early and asked him to sing Pakistani noted poet Allama Iqbal's highly popular Na'at song and prayer Lab pe aati hai dua ban ke tamanna meri at the morning assembly meeting at school.[2] Seeing his popularity at his school, Yaqoob Atif started singing and reciting na'at prayers and songs in other places.[2]
He worked at Radio Pakistan, Pakistani film industry and Pakistani television. He also performed worldwide.[1]
He is often described as the "first Punjabi Rapper."[4]
In 2017, he was experiencing hard times due to lack of work and many illnesses.[1] Due to limited resources, his family was forced to live in a rented home in Mughalpura neighborhood, Lahore District, Pakistan.[1] The Government of Pakistan offered to help him with Rs5,000 each month via a 'Khidmat Card' but he refused it because he considered this small amount 'an insult' considering his reputation and popularity as a singer and an actor.[1]
TV
- Waris, Pakistani television's TV show from 1979[2]
- Andhera Ujala, Pakistani television's TV show from 1984[2]
- Ajj Di Kahani (1998), Punjabi-language TV show
Films
- Pappu Lahoria (2003 film) - A Punjabi-language film
Death
Yaqub Atif had reportedly battled paralysis for the past two years before his death on 13 May 2023.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d e Adnan Lodhi (24 October 2017). "People have cheated me, they enjoy giving me false assurance: Pakistani singer Yaqoob Atif". The Express Tribune newspaper. Archived from the original on 6 December 2024. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Renowned 'Pani Da Bulbula' Singer Yaqoob Atif breathes his last". The News International newspaper. 13 May 2023. Archived from the original on 19 May 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- ^ "'Bulbula' fame singer Yaqoob Atif is no more". Dunya News. 13 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
- ^ a b c "'Pani Da Bulbula' famed singer Yaqoob Atif passes away". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
- ^ "Yaqoob Atif Bulbula album - Songs List (click onscreen (PLUS +) to open up Songs LIST)". EMI Pakistan website. Archived from the original on 12 November 2025. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ "'Pani Da Bulbula' famed singer Yaqoob Atif passes away". The Nation newspaper. 13 May 2023. Archived from the original on 22 May 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ^ Misha Zafar (28 September 2025). "SOUNDSCAPE: THE ERASURE OF MUSICAL LEGACIES - Yaqoob Atif's musical legacy lives on through his song 'Paani Da Bulbula' [Water Bubble]". Dawn newspaper. Archived from the original on 12 March 2026. Retrieved 12 March 2026.