Ahmed Rushdi (1934–1983) was a celebrated Pakistani playback singer and the pioneer of South Asian pop music, widely known for Ko Ko Korina (1966), the region’s first pop song. Born in Hyderabad Deccan, he migrated to Pakistan after partition and became a defining voice in Pakistani cinema during its golden age. Rushdi recorded over 5,000 songs in Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Sindhi, and more, earning five Nigar Awards and titles like “Best Singer of the Millennium.” Renowned for his versatility and distinctive voice, he contributed significantly to film music, stage performances, and popularized ghazals. His legacy remains iconic in South Asian music history.
