 Besides popular music, Rushdi also helped popularize the ghazals of Naseer Turabi.He was awarded five Nigar Awards, the "Best Singer Of The Millennium" title, "Life Time Achievement Award", "Legend Award" and Lux Style Award.In 2003, 20 years after his death, Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf awarded him the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the "star of excellence," for distinguished merit in the field of arts.