Najma (born: Najma Akhtar) has quickly risen to the upper echelon of Indian music. Although born in England, Najma has remained rooted in the pop and film music of her ancestral home. Songs from her 1987 debut album, Qareeb, were featured in Hanif Quereishi's film, Sammy and Rose Gets Laid. Her 1988 album, Ghazals By Najma, featured her interpretations of the traditional Eastern poetic form, while she recorded an album of songs by Indian film composer S. D. Berman, Forbidden Kiss, in 1996.
The Western world has shown their appreciation for Najma's talents, as well. In addit...