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			<title>Competition: Race on to design Ghazal maestro’s mausoleum</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/403678/competition-race-on-to-design-ghazal-maestro%e2%80%99s-mausoleum</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/403678/competition-race-on-to-design-ghazal-maestro%e2%80%99s-mausoleum#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 Jul 12 20:59:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[The design of the mausoleum could be submitted to the Technical Services Department director general by July 31.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has invited the general public to suggest the design of the mausoleum of the late Ghazal maestro Medhi Hasan.


On Tuesday, KMC Administrator Muhammad Hussain Syed said that the design of the mausoleum could be submitted to the Technical Services Department director general by July 31.

The designs to be submitted are not technical details but the diagram of the mausoleum that suggests the elevation, number of domes and other aspects of the structure.

The three best designers will be rewarded with prizes, certificates and shields.

The name of the designer, whose plan is selected, will be mentioned at the mausoleum.

The decision on the final design would be taken with the mutual consent of the late singer’s family.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Last Rites: Mehdi Hassan’s funeral today</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/394049/last-rites-mehdi-hassan%e2%80%99s-funeral-today</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/394049/last-rites-mehdi-hassan%e2%80%99s-funeral-today#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 12 12:16:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Sindh government would help bear expenses for the construction of the singer's mausoleum.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The funeral prayers for Mehdi Hassan will be offered at Shahrae-e-Pakistan after Friday prayers, according to his son, Arif Mehdi.  He will be laid to rest at Muhammad Shah graveyard in North Karachi. Meanwhile, Sindh IT minister Raza Haroon said that he had requested the Sindh governor to announce a holiday on Friday so that more people could attend the funeral of the legendary singer. He said that a mausoleum of Mehdi Hassan should be constructed in Karachi. He added that he had spoken to the Sindh governor and he had been assured that the Sindh government would help bear expenses for the construction of the mausoleum.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 15th, 2012. ]]>
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			<title>Farewell: Ghazal maestro’s funeral today</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393863/farewell-ghazal-maestro%e2%80%99s-funeral-today</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393863/farewell-ghazal-maestro%e2%80%99s-funeral-today#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 12 12:09:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[He will be laid to rest at Muhammad Shah graveyard in North Karachi.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The namaz-e-janaza for Mehdi Hassan will be offered at Shahrae Pakistan after Friday prayers, stated his son, Arif Mehdi on Thursday. He will be laid to rest at Muhammad Shah graveyard in North Karachi. Meanwhile Sindh IT minister, Raza Haroon said that he had requested the Sindh governor to announce a holiday on Friday so that more people would be able to attend funeral of the legendary singer. He said that a mausoleum of Mehdi Hassan should be constructed in Karachi.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan laid to rest</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/394214/ghazal-maestro-mehdi-hassan-laid-to-rest</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/394214/ghazal-maestro-mehdi-hassan-laid-to-rest#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 12 10:55:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=394214</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Collective prayers were said after his burial, attended by artists, politicians, renowned personalities.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Ghazal legend Mehdi Hassan was laid to rest on Friday at the Shah Muhammad graveyard located in North Nazimabad, Express News reported.

Volunteers from Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation (KKF), Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) welfare wing surrounded the graveyard and barred people from entering the premises in order to avoid any disruption.

Hassan had quit singing after suffering a massive stroke in 2001. His health deteriorated in 2011 and he passed away at the age of 85 in Karachi on June 13, 2012.

He had been under treatment at hospitals in Pakistan for a while, and there had also been reports of shifting him to India. He was admitted at a hospital in Karachi for the past couple of weeks after he had developed a chest infection and breathing problems.

Collective prayers were said after his burial, attended by artists, politicians and renowned personalities of the country.

His funeral prayers were held at Noorani Mosque.

Speaking to the media after the burial, Pakistani filmstar Nadeem said, “It was an honour for me that I picturised many songs sung by Mehdi sahib. As a matter of fact, it was him who drove my career in the forward direction. He might be gone but his songs and ghazals will remain in our hearts forever.”

Lyricist, scriptwriter Anwer Maqsood said, “After Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sadequain and Noor Jehan, Mehdi sahib was one person who got the fame he deserved during his lifetime. Not many people can maintain the fame they acquire, but he did, till his last breath.”]]>
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			<title>Mehdi Hassan: an unparalleled and irreplaceable ghazal maestro</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393995/mehdi-hassan-an-unparalleled-and-irreplaceable-ghazal-maestro</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393995/mehdi-hassan-an-unparalleled-and-irreplaceable-ghazal-maestro#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 12 03:18:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[qaiser.zulfiqar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=393995</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[His health deteriorated in 2011 and he passed away at the age of 85 in Karachi.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Ghazal legend Mehdi Hassan was an institute in himself. His mastery over ghazals has remained unparalleled and the void of his death may not be filled for centuries to come.


This was the consensus among Islamabad-based artists who had the honour to study under the ghazal maestro or perform with him.

Mehdi Hassan had quit singing after suffering a massive stroke in 2001. His health deteriorated in 2011 and he passed away at the age of 85 in Karachi on Wednesday.

His colleagues and students in Islamabad were both shocked and saddened by his death. Here is what some of them had to say.

Ustad Fateh Ali Khan

We performed in programmes together in London, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan. His voice had a melodic power like no other.

It is very tragic that we don’t care for such legends of music. But after their death, we build their tombs. Legends like him are created in centuries. Mehdi Hassan was a true artist and asset of the country and he should have been taken care for what he earned for the country.

Professor Shahbaz (Pupil of Mehdi Hassan)  

I first met him in 1984. He was very down to earth and humble and this trait of his personality has fascinated me throughout my life.

He was very polite. I would  listen closely to his  suggestions during lessons. He used to guide me and answer all my queries without holding back any secrets. He was very jolly.

Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan

An artist like him is born in centuries. Mehdi Hassan was an outstanding singer. He sang ragas like malhar and aiman. He had total control over ragas and classical music in general. Pakistan may not find an artist like Mehdi Hassan in centuries.

Rustam Ali Khan

I am at a loss for words. I feel he is above praise. He was a close friend of my father. I sang with him in a few functions. He was a true legend and king of ghazal. No one is like him in the entire subcontinent. Every singer emulated his style in India and Pakistan. He was an asset.

Asim Akhtar (Poet) 

We unfortunately do not treat our symbols of culture well. Mehdi Hassan’s death is a big loss to the country. His death has created a vacuum that might not be filled even in centuries. The government should establish a music institute in his name because he was an asset to the country and a symbol of culture.

Sultan Fateh Ali Khan

He was truly an academy. Every classical singer in India and Pakistan who sings ghazal sang Ustad Mehdi’s ghazals. Everybody learnt from him.

Abbas Ali Khan 

I started listening to Ustad Mehdi Hassan in my childhood. When I learnt music I started to understand his style. He was an institute for us.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 15th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Possessor of the gift of suchha sur</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393416/possessor-of-the-gift-of-suchha-sur</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393416/possessor-of-the-gift-of-suchha-sur#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 12 01:22:17 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[sm.shahid]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=393416</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Now that he is gone, let us remember him for his work and great contribution to music.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[It was symbolic. I received the news of his death sitting in my darkened study waiting for the light (electricity) to come. It did come, after the usual doze of load shedding. But what about the utter darkness in which he has left his fans – ardent lovers of ghazal and genuine music – for whom it is difficult to come to terms with his passing away.


Surely, the wait is going to be long, very long - since one is not sure how many centuries it is going to take before another singer of his class and stature arrives on the scene.

But one has a strange sense of relief too. He has been mercifully called by his Creator– at last. For more than a decade, and for many of his admirers, it was heart wrenching to see him suffering not only physical incapacity but mental torture too, silently, helplessly, even humiliatingly, for his illness seemed to have brought a kind of windfall for some people. As I knew Mehdi Hasan, he was a  self-respecting man who would not approve of being presented as a destitute artist in need of financial support from moneyed individuals and government functionaries.

Now that he is gone, let us remember him for his work and great contribution to music.

Born in a village called Luna near Jaipur, Rajasthan, Mehdi Hasan at age six started to receive his classical music training from his uncle Ismail Khan. Later, he was groomed by his elder brother Ghulam Qadir, (who composed such remarkable ghazals for him as: daayem para hua tere dar per naheen hoon main in raag Kaushak Dhani, Uzr aane mein bhi hai aur bulatey bhi naheen in raag Partabvarali and Mohabbat karne waley kum na hon ge in raag Khammaj). His maternal uncle, Ustad Nihal Abdullah too created a remarkable composition of Aziz Hamid Madni’s famous ghazal for him: Taza hawa bahar ki dil ka malal le gai in raag Jai Jai Wanti.

Quite proficient in classical music himself, Mehdi Hasan composed most of his ghazals in raags as varied as Basant Mukhari, Aheer Tori, Jhinjhoti, Charukeshi, Patdeep, Kirwani, Shudh Sarang etc.

No one before him (Begum Akhtar, Talat Mahmood, K.L. Saigal), or among his contemporaries (Farida Khanum, Iqbal Bano, Ghulam Ali) have rendered ghazals of the great masters – Ghalib, Mir Taqi Mir, Dagh, Momin, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Hasrat Mohani, with such finesse and authority as Mehdi Hasan. He also composed and recorded many ghazals of contemporary poets such as: Faiz, Faraz, Hafeez Jallundhari, Jigar, Arzoo, Shaer Lucknawai, Nasir Kazmi, Adeeb Saharanpuri, Seemab Akbarabadi, Tabish Dehlavi, Perween Shakir, Khatir Ghaznavi, Qateel, Adam, Ahsan Danish, etc., in different raags.

Throughout classical music history we have seen that the gift of suchha sur was bestowed upon only a few fortunate ones by Nature. Mehdi Hasan had been blessed with this gift in abundance. I recall, many years ago, I and my friend Latif Kapadia had gone to see Naushad Sahab, the legendary Indian music director in Mumbai. After having a chat with him when we stood up to take his leave, he asked us to stay for dinner, “Aap ruk jaen, aaj ka din bara special hai. Main ne Mehdi Hasan Sahab ko khaney per bulaya hai.”

“What do you think of his singing?” I asked foolishly.

“I can’t find suitable words to explain the purity and greatness of his art. Unki tareef sooraj ko chiragh dekhana hai.”  Said the great man – of another great man.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>1927-2012: The king of ghazal is dead</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393443/1927-2012-the-king-of-ghazal-is-dead</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393443/1927-2012-the-king-of-ghazal-is-dead#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 12 00:58:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[rafay.mahmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Leaving eternal melodies to cherish, Mehdi Hassan passes away.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[His is not the story of a typical star.


Mehdi Hassan, the undisputed king of ghazal – who left one too many applauses unheard and many a tributes unacknowledged in his lifetime – passed away at the age of 85 at 12:15 pm on Wednesday after suffering from multiple problems, including massive bleeding from the stomach, and lung and chest infections at the Agha Khan hospital in Karachi.

Years ago, when he was a little boy, something inside changed him when he saw a tear rolling down his father’s cheek. He walked up to his father in utter confusion and enquired about the reason for his sadness.

“We’ll have to stop singing and switch professions,” replied his father with a heavy heart.

It was then that Mehdi Hassan’s family had to leave their profession of classical singing and move to Pakistan after partition.

For a moment, he could not believe what he heard. But his father’s words resonated in his ears and more so drove him to do something else for a living. For the next three years he worked as a carpenter, fixed oil engines and drove tractors to earn an honest living.

Little did the world know that the young untapped talent would flock back to his true love of singing and establish himself as the undisputed king of ghazal.

Born on July 18, 1927 in a village called Luna in Rajasthan, India, Hassan’s first break into the music industry came with an opportunity to sing for Radio Pakistan — and since then he left millions of souls around the globe spellbound.

His funeral prayers were delayed to await the arrival of two of his sons from the United States and will be organised after Friday prayers on June 15.

While the family members first appealed to the Sindh governor and the president to allow the singer to be buried on the premises of the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam, they later changed their decision keeping in mind proximity and convenience.

He will now be buried at Mehdi Hassan Park, located in the North Nazimabad neighbourhood, revealed Aslam Dehlvi, a close friend and General Secretary of Mehdi Hasan Foundation.

The world reacts

Indian legend Lata Mangeshkar, while talking to Express News, said that it was unfortunate that such a wonderful person had to suffer so much.

“A voice like his may never be heard again. “He had come to India and we had met. Everyone started crying when they saw him,” she said.

Mangeshkar said Mehdi Hassan had inspired many to sing. She said she had all records Hassan had released and liked every single ghazal of his. “I believe this was God’s will.”

Actor Nadeem Baig said that Hassan’s demise was a big loss. “I had been humming one of Hassan’s tunes in the morning today and minutes later I found out that he had passed away,” said the actor. Nadeem added that he was ‘blessed’ to have had the opportunity to act in his songs.

Indian poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar, while speaking to an Indian news channel, heaped praise on the ghazal maestro. He said Hassan’s voice was a source of solace and peace.

“He is not a legend, neither is he a legacy. In fact, he is an era on his own that ends with him,” said Ghazal singer Salman Alvi.

Having sung countless poets from Ghalib to Faiz, Hassan gave us some of the most timeless ghazals, including “Gulon Mae rung bharain” and “Ranjish hi sahi” — tunes that will live forever.

Author Kamila Shamsie tweeted on micro-blogging website Twitter: “PIA announced Mehdi Hassan’s death during a flight to the UK, played ‘Aa phir say mujhay chor kay’ &amp; passengers started crying.”

Background

In 2001, after suffering a massive stroke along with hypertension, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Hassan had been admitted for the first time at the Aga Khan Hospital, according to a press release by the hospital.

“For the last 11 years, several medical teams were involved in the care of the legendary singer. Over the years, he had multiple strokes, and lung and urinary infections. He was admitted at least eight times in 2011, and five times in 2012,” said Dr Aziz Sonawala, Hassan’s primary physician and consultant neurologist. He is survived by eight sons, five daughters and a widow.

(WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Transitions: Politicians react to Mehdi Hassan’s death</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393361/transitions-politicians-react-to-mehdi-hassan%e2%80%99s-death</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393361/transitions-politicians-react-to-mehdi-hassan%e2%80%99s-death#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 12 23:04:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[MQM chief Altaf Hussain said that Mehdi Hassan was the ‘most towering personality in the field of ghazal singing.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Altaf Hussain, the chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, expressed his deep grief on Hassan’s death and said that the void created by his departure would never be filled. The MQM chief said Pakistan had lost a great asset.

In a statement issued by the MQM, Hussain said that Mehdi Hassan was the ‘most towering personality in the field of ghazal singing’ who strengthened ‘brotherly relations between the people of Pakistan and India with his unmatched singing.’ Hussain expressed his condolences to Hassan’s family and admirers. Former president Pervez Musharraf and his party, the All Pakistan Muslim League, have also condoled the death of Mehdi Hassan.


Messages of sorrow and condolences also came in from Commissioner Karachi Roshan Ali Sheikh and the management of the Pakistan American Cultural Centre, who said that Hassan’s death was a great loss to the Pakistani music industry.

The head of the Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) and spiritual leader of the Hurs, Pir Sahib Pagara Sibghatullah Rashdi, and the Sindh head of the PML-F Pir Sadruddin Shah Rashdi and other leaders of the PML-F have expressed their sorrow at Mehdi Hassan’s death. The chairperson of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Imran Khan as well as the party’s deputy secretary-general Imran Ismail and Sindh head Nadir Khan Leghari condoled the death of Mehdi Hassan. They said that a chapter in music had been closed by Hassan’s death.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Bidding adieu: Mehdi Hassan to be buried at namesake park on Friday</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393359/bidding-adieu-mehdi-hassan-to-be-buried-at-namesake-park-on-friday</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393359/bidding-adieu-mehdi-hassan-to-be-buried-at-namesake-park-on-friday#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 12 22:20:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[samia.malik]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Family, disciples, politicians and members of the media pour in for condolence.]]>
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				<![CDATA[As the country mourns the death of the legendary melody king, Mehdi Hassan, his family makes preparations for his funeral which will take place on June 15 after the Jumma prayers following the arrival of his two sons from the United States.

Family members, disciples, fans, members of the musical fraternity, media personalities and politicians thronged at Hassan’s residence in the Federal B Area’s Block 20 upon the news of his demise.

His disciples, children and family were just as humble as the maestro himself, without any pretence. Spread on a 120 square-yard plot, his house stood out from the others in the lane only because it was the only three-storey house. The inside mirrored the singer’s preference for simplicity, without any traces of pomp and glamour.  The mood was visibly somber in the black tent erected outside his house.  His disciple, Ikram Mehdi, who took the singer’s last name in his honour, was sitting on the floor outside Hassan’s house. Afifa, a fan of the singer, travelled all the way from North Karachi with her husband to pay her tribute while media personnel, children and political activists looked after the arrangements.

His son, Asif Mehdi’s tears were uncontrollable. “He was a very good father. He would explain to us what was good and bad.” According to Hassan’s family, the singer’s impaired-speech due to a stroke was repaired towards the end. Almost a week before his death, he started talking and recognising his family members. “When I asked my grandfather when he would like to go home, he said in two to three days,” said Hassan’s grandson, Hasan. “But yesterday night, he suddenly asked us to ‘prepare ourselves and start sending the news’, which I did not understand.”

In one of his last videos, shot by his grandson, Hassan is shown actively talking at his bed in the hospital. He shared his dream in which his two deceased wives are by his sides in front of white-winged fans.

According to family members, the fact that his health improved and he was given a chance to be with his family, was perhaps a sign that his death was nearing. The arrival of his son, Kamran, from the US a week ago made his last days more pleasurable.  Hassan leaves behind nine sons and five daughters, who reside in Karachi, Lahore and the US.

Except for his two sons in Lahore and the other two in the US, all of Hassan’s children were by his death bed.

The Karachi Arts Council spokerperson, Amin Yousuf, announced a three-day mourning period.

The rush of the incoming celebrities and the arrangements were managed by members of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), media men and family members.

While the singer was suffering from ill-health since 2001 and his condition further deteriorated in 2011, his family members did not expect him to pass away so soon. He had crossed 85 years of his life and there were plans to take him to India for treatment.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Mehdi Hassan: Achievements as a playback singer</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393492/mehdi-hassan-achievements-as-a-playback-singer</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393492/mehdi-hassan-achievements-as-a-playback-singer#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 12 22:03:04 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Some of the classics sung by the maestro.]]>
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				<![CDATA[‘Pyar Bhare Do Sharmile Nain’ — Chahat (1974)

Chahat was released during the golden era of Lollywood. Music composer Robin Ghosh’s tunes and Runa Laila, Ikhlak Ahmed and Mehdi Hassan’s vocals gave life to the lyrics of this song and transformed it into a timeless entity to be hummed by generations to come.

‘Thehra Hai Sama Hum Tum Hain Jahan’ — Amber (1978)

With actor Mohammad Ali (late) and Deeba’s intense expressions and Hassan’s soul stirring vocals, this is the quintessential Lollywood romantic song.

‘Ye Jhuki Jhuki Nigahen’ — Paalki

Hassan sings for Mohammad Ali in Paalki. The film starred iconic actors Zeba and Nadeem along with many others.

‘Aaj Tak Yaadh’ — Sahre Ke Phool (1978)

Hassan did justice to lyricist Tasleem Fazli’s lyrics that depict a lover’s state of mind. The song is picturised on Nadeem who is seen reminiscing about his first tryst with lady love.

‘Ranjish He Sahi’ — Mohabbat

This song is a poem originally penned by poet Ahmad Faraz. However, the poem gained mainstream recognition after it was turned into a song. It was sung by Hassan for the film Mohabbat.

Sources: Youtube.com

 

Lyrical masterpieces

‘Gulon Mein Rang’

This is one of the most famous poems of revolutionary and poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz. On the surface, it seems like Faiz is sketching out the complexities of love and longing for the beloved but in actuality he is referring to the social and political turmoil around him.

‘Patta Patta, Boota Boota’

This ghazal was penned by one of the giants of Urdu literature, poet Mir Taqi Mir who talks about the dynamics of love and passion by comparing human feelings to a garden.

‘Ab Ke Hum Bichde’

This is a poem by Pakistani poet Syed Ahmad Shah popularly known by his pseudonym Faraz. The poem has a reminiscent tone to it and portrays the feeling of a lover who still hasn’t gotten over the past.

‘Zindagi Mein Tu Sabhi’

This is one of his most popular ghazals which Hassan was asked to perform at many musical events. The lyrics of this ghazal were penned by Aurangzeb Khan (popularly known by his pen name Qateel Shifai), a Pakistani Urdu poet who later turned into a full-time lyricist.

‘Rafta Rafta Woh Meri Hasti’

Only a few are aware of the fact that this was originally a film song written by Tasleem Fazli for the Pakistani film Zeenat (1975) while the tune was composed by Nashaad. However, it was Mehdi Hassan’s voice that gave this track the unprecedented popularity associated with it to this day.

Sources: indo-americam.com, mid-day.com, ekfankaar.wordpress.com, facebook.com]]>
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			<title>Mehdi Hassan: Timeline</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393484/mehdi-hassan%e2%80%99s-milestones</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393484/mehdi-hassan%e2%80%99s-milestones#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 12 21:24:24 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Hassan sang his first film song “Nazar Miltay Hi..”  for the film Shikar.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The following is a chronology of some major events from the legend's life:

1927

Hassan was born in 1927 in a village called Luna in Rajasthan, India into a family of traditional musicians.

1948

He migrated with his family to Pakistan and settled in Cheecha Watni, Sahiwal district, Pakistan.

1957

Hassan was given the opportunity to sing on Radio Pakistan, primarily as a thumri singer, which earned him recognition within the musical fraternity.

1956-1963

Hassan sang his first film song “Nazar Miltay Hi..”  for the film Shikar.

His all-time hit ghazal “Gullon Mein Rang Bharay” in the filmFarangi gave him a breakthrough as a playback singer in 1962.

Hassan collaborated for the first time with Noor Jehan for the song “Eik Deevanay Ka Is Dil Ne Kaha Maan Liya”  in film Qaidi.

1965

Hassan sang for the first time for Waheed Murad in the film Saz-o-Awaz. The song on to become a megahit.

1967

Hassan sang one of his most popular Punjabi songs “Dukh Labba Tay Ba Aaway” for the film Mehndi.

1969

Hassan sang for the first and last time for a Bengali film.

1971

Hassan was at the peak of his film career and sang 71 songs, the highest number of film songs in a year in his film career.

1979

Received the Saigal Award in Jalandhar, India.

1983-2000

Received the Gorkha Dakshina Bahu Award, one of the highest honours given by the president of Nepal.

Hassan sang 38 songs in these 17 years; seven in 1983, eight in 1984, 10 in 1985, four in 1986, two in 1987, two apiece in 1988 and 1989. After a five-year gap, he sang two songs in 1994 and a single in 1995. He then sang for a Punjabi film Chann Puttar which was screened only for two shows in Lahore in 2000.

2010

His first and last duet song with Indian legend Lata Mangeshkar “Tera Milana” was released.]]>
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			<title>Mehdi Hassan (1927-2012)</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393114/mehdi-hassan-1927-2012</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393114/mehdi-hassan-1927-2012#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 12 17:33:10 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=393114</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Today, we must ask ourselves if we will ever be able to produce new singers of the same calibre.]]>
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				<![CDATA[We will never again hear the unparalleled voice of ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan performing live again. His voice died forever as the great singer passed away at a private hospital in Karachi on the morning of June 13 after putting up with a long illness. Hassan had, in fact, not sung in public for quite a few years after suffering a serious stroke. What we are left with then are the recordings on tape and CDs of his singing and the unique style that came with it, adding new life to the form of music he raised to immense heights. What is sad is that during his years of illness, Hassan, according to his family, received very limited financial support from the government of Pakistan or from any other organisation within the country. Some reports say that more donations had come in from India to cover his medical expenses. At one point a few years ago, while performing at his concert in Lahore, the late Indian singer Jagjit Singh had appealed for funds to be provided for the treatment of the ailing artist who had so frequently sung before mass audiences across the border.

Unfortunately, Hassan received less appreciation at home as the years went by, especially after Radio Pakistan and the Pakistan Television removed their focus from more traditional forms of music, throwing them deeper into the shadows. Hassan has received several major official awards, including the coveted Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Pride of Performance and Hilal-e-Imtiaz awards but despite this, in the end, he died surrounded only by his family and devoted music lovers.

Hassan, born in 1927 in Rajasthan, migrated to Pakistan in 1947 but always had a large loyal following in India. For decades, he kept alive the intricate art of the ghazal in the country adding to it many new dimensions. Today, we must ask ourselves if we will ever be able to produce new singers of the same calibre, given the way we have treated the traditional forms of music and our failure to instill any love for them among a generation that has grown up barely familiar with the works of Mehdi Hassan and others who are able to produce wizardry with words and the music that accompanies them.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Twitter Alert: Artists remember Mehdi Hassan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393175/twitter-alert-artists-remember-mehdi-hassan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393175/twitter-alert-artists-remember-mehdi-hassan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 12 16:44:09 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=393175</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Celebrities from the sub-continent praised him and lamented his passing away.]]>
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				<![CDATA[June 13 will be remembered in the history of Pakistan for years to come as it will now commemorate the passing away of legendary ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan.


Mehdi Hassan, who was ailing from chest infections and breathing problems, passed away in Karachi at the age of 85. Both Pakistan and India mourned the legend’s sad demise.

Celebrities from the sub-continent praised him and lamented his passing away, with some posting what the greatest ghazal legend meant to them on social networking website Twitter.

Top tweets

Ali Zafar

Mehdi Hassan moves on &amp; lives forever. Leaving us with a legacy of music, magic, memories and so much more than words can describe.

Ali Azmat

Oh my God, give his soul royal treatment when he arrives in heaven.

Shahrukh Khan

Memories of my mom cooking in a grimy kitchen as it rained outside, while Mehdi Hassan floated out of a Beltek two in one

Anupam Kher

Very saddened to hear about my favourite ghazal singer Mehdi Hassan’s demise. As a student, I had gate crashed into Pakistan Embassy to listen to him. RIP

Shreya Ghoshal

Mehdi Hassan saab is no more. The voice, who made many music lovers n lovers find an expression of their heart’s stories, is gone. RIP.

Madhur Bhandarkar

Emperor of ghazals no more. RIP Mehdi Hassan. You will be missed sorely!

Dia Mirza

RIP Mehdi Hassan Saab... Your songs are eternal...

Kamaal R Khan

Truth is this that Mehdi Hassan Sahab was the best ghazal singer of all time. Nobody will ever be able to replace him. RIP

Published In The Express Tribune, June 14th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>A tribute to the king</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393140/a-tribute-to-the-king</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393140/a-tribute-to-the-king#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 12 16:38:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[aakar.patel]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=393140</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Remarkable thing about Mehdi Hassan was that he fashioned a style of singing that did not exist before them.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The remarkable thing about ghazal singer Mehdi Hassan was that he fashioned, along with Begum Akhtar, a style of singing that did not exist before them.


The ghazal as a song was not part of our culture before the 20th century. It was part of the canon of poetry which was recited and read, but not sung. The classical training of both these singers brought music to the words of the great Urdu poets. The 1950s, not that long ago, is when the ghazal came into popular music. Its decline came only three decades later.

For this entire period, across the subcontinent, in Pakistan, in India and in the nations where Pakistanis and Indians live together, Mehdi Hassan was the undisputed king of ghazal singers. Many good singers came after him, for instance Jagjit Singh and Ghulam Ali. But for most, the idea of the ghazal was linked to Hassan. He was beloved in Gujarat, and often sang in Surat’s Gandhi Smruti Bhavan, where I first heard him in 1981. I was too young to notice his singing but still remember what a regal figure he was on stage.

My mother always loved the way he looked, and if you see his early photographs you will know why. He had a rough-hewn but intelligent face. The word I’m looking for is leonine. His expression was of a man lost elsewhere, thinking about the words being carried by his voice.

And what a voice it was.

He had the ability to deliver emotion, a rare talent and one that separates very good singers of our music from the great ones. In keeping with the style of ghazals, this emotion that his voice carried was masculine but melancholic. Of all ghazal singers, his voice suited it best. It was convincing. Technically, he was sound along with the other great Pakistani singer of ghazals, Ghulam Ali. Both of them were inclined towards classical Hindustani music and most of their compositions were in pure raag form.

Unlike Ghulam Ali and Jagjit Singh, however, Hassan’s best numbers were from the classical canon of Urdu poetry. Ghazals like “Patta Patta” by Mir, or “Aye Kuch Abr” by Faiz. My favourite was the haunting “Dekh toh dil ke jaan say uthta hai, yeh dhuan sa kahan say uthta hai?” It was made superb both by the quality of Mir’s writing and the gravelly sombre tone in which Hassan renders it. I cannot listen to it without being deeply moved.

Mehdi Hassan was a kind man, and forgiving. In the last of his singing years — this must have been about 15 years ago — a man from Calcutta booked Hassan for a concert. However, he was unable to execute the show for some reason and did not inform Hassan till he came over, wasting his time and causing him loss. If Hassan was overly angered by this he did not reveal it, and simply shrugged off a newspaper reporter’s inquiry. This sort of thing happened sometimes, he said, but he did not judge all Indians by such incidents. He would again trust the next man who invited him. But these invites tapered off.

By the early 1990s in both India and Pakistan, the ghazal slipped as a form of popular music. It has now become esoteric, liked by only a few who are older. This is a great shame.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan died in 1997. In 15 years, there has been nobody who has come close to replacing him and who can be surprised by that?

Now another very great man is gone from our midst, the likes of whom we will not see again in our generation.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 14th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Mehdi Hassan Khan: A sun amongst the stars</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393139/mehdi-hassan-khan-a-sun-amongst-the-stars</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393139/mehdi-hassan-khan-a-sun-amongst-the-stars#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 12 16:35:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[rafay.mahmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=393139</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[In his lifetime, Mehdi Hassan Khan achieved what musicians can only dream of making possible.]]>
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				<![CDATA[In his lifetime, Mehdi Hassan Khan achieved what musicians can only dream of making possible. He refined ghazal singing as a genre, ruled Lollywood as a playback singer and inspired many of today’s stalwarts to become who they are.


No matter how much we appreciate the role played by bands such as Junoon and Vital Signs for earning global recognition for Pakistan, it has always been great musicians like Hassan and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan who put Pakistan on the map when it comes to music classics.

It was Hassan’s beautiful voice and perfect rendition of ghazals that set him aside as a brilliant singer. His will to break conventions made him an unparalleled sensation of the subcontinent. There were occasions where he walked onto a stage in India and senior artists rose to applaud him — like Sonu Nigam, who sat by Hassan’s feet to watch him sing.

As we mourn the loss of this timeless legend, it is important to celebrate the legacy and influence he left behind.

“Our contributions as pop musicians are insignificant in front of someone like Khan sahab,” said singer Immu from Fuzon. “The fame he has brought to Pakistan is unmatchable. We can only dream of returning the gifts he left behind.”

Singer Mohammad Ali Shyhaki, who comes from an era where pop music was in its infancy, believes that Hassan is the true god of music and that the honesty in his delivery of songs is divine.

“His songs are not just music given to words,” Shyhaki told The Express Tribune. “They are a source of enlightenment and solace.”

“His surs (melodies) were so perfect that you could use his vocal chord as an instrument for tuning other instruments,” he said.

Shyhaki also said that the most important thing for any singer to learn from Hassan is the respect he had for sur, adding that only naturally gifted artists can achieve the nirvana of music he had reached.

No royalties for the king

According to EMI Pakistan, the record label that released most of Hassan’s recordings, he had released approximately 115 albums and 468 songs. These figures do not include some of his recently recorded works. Most of his albums were widely popular, but due to the state of intellectual property rights in Pakistan, the distinguished artist did not get his fair share of royalties. It is no wonder then that Hassan required government support and donations for the treatment of his lung condition. The lack of action taken against piracy has been the reason for great trouble for our artists. If the government and record label companies don’t change their attitudes about the timely provision of royalties, then another case like Hassan’s shouldn’t come as a surprise.

“It is sad that legends like Mehdi Hassan end up in a dismal shape despite their huge contribution to the music industry,” Zeeshan Chaudhry from EMI Pakistan told The Express Tribune.

Negating any claims of the non-provision of royalties to Hassan from EMI Pakistan, he said: “We are the only label that has been giving timely royalties to artists. We even gave an amount to Khan sahab last year. The problem is piracy — it remains unattended and unregulated.”

It is a pity that a star like Hassan was not given his due in a country where he is loved and celebrated. As Ayla Raza, Secretary of the All Pakistan Music Conference, puts it: “He was ill for about 12 years; it must have been painful to see that he achieved so much but was helpless in his last few years. It must have been a painful journey for him.”

But the praise can never be enough, as she adds: “He had the most handsome voice in playback singing. The emotive quality of his voice made him such a wonderful performer. We lost the voice so long ago. But I hope his legacy lives on. I hope he rests in peace.”

A National tragedy

Sabri: For listeners of ghazal; it’s a stroke of a lifetime that they now have to live with. It’s sad day. The appeal for his grave site to be within the premises of Mazar-i-Quaid should be accepted and respected

Qawwal Amjad Sabri

Bunny: He recorded two of his last albums in my studio six years ago, and believe it or not, the texture and quality of his voice was still the same

Singer Bunny

Jahanzeb: Mehdi Hassan Khan was a legend because he reinvented ghazal and set the bar when it comes to classical music

Singer Ahmed Jahanzeb

Ali: He had a very mellow and melodious voice with an immense command on diction at the same time. You don’t need anything else to make an outstanding singer

Singer Shafqat Amanat Ali

Published in The Express Tribune, June 14th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Bollywood remembers 'immortal' Mehdi Hassan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393058/bollywood-remembers-immortal-mehdi-hassan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393058/bollywood-remembers-immortal-mehdi-hassan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 12 11:18:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ians]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=393058</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Hassan died after a prolonged illness. He was 84.]]>
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			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[His fans feel that the world of ghazal is left with a void with the passing away of "immortal" Pakistani maestro Mehdi Hassan, who died in Karachi Wednesday. 

From Shreya Ghoshal to Anupam Kher, they all mourn his death, but feel his songs will keep him alive forever.

Hassan died after a prolonged illness. He was 84.

"We have grown up with his music. We have learnt a lot from his style and techniques. It is sad that he is gone, but the way he was living for past few years was not a life. So it is good for him that he is gone. My husband and I met him when we had gone to Pakistan. I will always remember his ghazal - Ranjish hi sahi, Chitra Singh told IANS.

Many others took to Twitter to pay respect to the singer, who sang soulful numbers like Ranjish hi sahi and Abke bicchde khwaabon mein mile.

Here's what they had to say

Shreya Ghoshal: Mehdi Hassan saab is no more. The voice, who made many music lovers and lovers find an expression of their hearts' stories, is gone. R.I.P. Saddened beyond comprehension.

"Jagjit ji (Jagjit Singh), now Mehdi saab. The voices who kept the legacy of ghazals alive are gone... This void can never be filled ever again."

Anupam Kher: Very saddened to hear about my favourite ghazal singer Mehdi Hassan's demise. As a student I had gate-crashed into Pakistan Embassy to listen to him. RIP.

Kailash Kher: Another Legend (Mehdi Hassan) has gone from this world. Lagta hai ghazal ka suraj dukhon ke baadalon ne dhak diya (It seems the sun of ghazals is hiding behind clouds of sadness).

Shankar Mahadevan: RIP Mehdi Hassan saab, huge loss to the world of music. Your voice is immortal though.

Madhur Bhandarkar: Emperor of ghazals no more... R.I.P Mehdi Hassan. You will be missed sorely!

Kabir Bedi: Saddened that Ghazal King Mehdi Hassan passed away. What a phenomenal impact he made with his unique voice and style!

Manoj Bajpayee: Ghazal King, one of my favourites, Mehdi saab passed away. May his soul rest in peace!

Meiyang Chang: My dad loved Mehdi Hassan saab. He was his biggest musical influence, and as a result, my first. RIP huzoor, your voice shall never fade away.

Dia Mirza: RIP Mehdi Hassan saab. Your songs are eternal.]]>
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			<title>Twitter alert: Mehdi Hasan, remembering a legend</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393050/twitter-alert-mehdi-hasan-remembering-a-legend</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393050/twitter-alert-mehdi-hasan-remembering-a-legend#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 12 10:41:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=393050</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Mehdi Hassan, who was ailing from chest infections and breathing problems, passed away at the age of 85.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Today’s date will be remembered in the history of Pakistan for years to come as it will, from now on, commemorate the passing away of legendary ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan. The whole world, along with Pakistan and India mourned the legend’s sad demise. 

Mehdi Hassan, who was ailing from chest infections and breathing problems, passed away at the age of 85. While celebrities from the sub-continent praised him and lamented his passing away, his fans from all around the world posted what the greatest ghazal legend meant to them on the social networking website Twitter.

'Ghazal' was trending in both, India and Pakistan, whereas 'Karachi' was trending in India.

Top tweets

Imran Khan ‏@ImranKhanPTI

Saddened to hear of the death of our legend Mehdi Hassan. His music will live on but we are poorer with his passing away.

Ali Zafar ‏@AliZafarsays

Mehdi Hassan moves on &amp; lives forever. Leaving us with a legacy of music, magic, memories and so much more than words can describe.

Sherry Rehman ‏@sherryrehman

RIP Mehdi Hasan..the man with the golden voice passes away. Grew up hearing him sing on Radio Pakistan. End of an era.

Shah Rukh Khan ‏@iamsrk

Memories of my mom cooking in a grimy kitchen as it rained outside, while mehdi hassan floated out of a Beltek 2 in 1.

Faisal Qureshi ‏@faisalqureshi

Can we please not mourn Mehdi Hassan's passing? Why can't we celebrate that we were fortunate to have had him and celebrate his work?

Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi ‏@Ali_Abbas_Zaidi

It would go as far to say Mehdi Hassan nurtured the ghazal-singing to its current prominence -#RIPMehdiHassan

Marvi Sirmed ‏@marvisirmed

The fact that Pakistan was home to the great#MehdiHassan, makes us privileged and fortunate. He leaves subcontinent music orphaned.

Raza Rumi ‏@Razarumi

"His was a musical soiree that was a blend of the popular and the courtly..some of the best film music.." #MehdiHassan

shazy ‏@shazyhaq

Shahensha-e-Ghazal you are immortal. Rest in peace #MehdiHassan

Erum K. ‏@ErumSKhan

Each of his ghazals are a cherished marvel appealing to the the romantic that lies within #MehdiHassan RIP

Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi ‏@Ali_Abbas_Zaidi

Grew up watching/listening this: Yeh Watan Tumhara Hai, Tum Ho Pasbaan Iss Key - Mehdi Hassanhttp://bit.ly/K17U1H #Pakistan]]>
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			<title>Ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan passes away</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393037/ghazal-maestro-mehdi-hasan-passes-away</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/393037/ghazal-maestro-mehdi-hasan-passes-away#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jun 12 07:38:07 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Legendary ghazal maestro had been awarded Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Pride of Performance and Hilal-e-Imtiaz by the government.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Legendary ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan passed away at a private hospital in Karachi on Wednesday.

Hassan had been under treatment at hospitals in Pakistan for a while, and there had also been reports of shifting him to India. He was admitted at a hospital in Karachi for the past couple of weeks after he had developed a chest infection and breathing problems.

He passed away after he was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the hospital.

Speaking to the media outside Aga Khan Hospital, Hassan’s son Asif Mehdi said that his father had a number of complications and had been admitted for treatment for a month.

He said that his father had grown old and he was getting weak, and a number of issues had developed, including with the lungs and chest.

Asif said that his brothers will be arriving in Karachi shortly and funeral details will be finalised by evening.

Hassan was born into a family of traditional musicians at Luna village, India, in 1927. His family migrated to Pakistan after 1947.

He had been awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Pride of Performance and Hilal-e-Imtiaz by the Pakistani government.

Lata Mangeshkar expresses grief

Indian legend Lata Mangeshkar, while talking to Express News, said that she was deeply saddened to hear the news of Mehdi Hassan’s demise.

She said that it was unfortunate that such a wonderful person had to suffer so much. “He had come to India and we had met. Everyone had started crying when they saw him.”

“Yeh hee manzoor thaa Allah ko,” she said.

Mangeshkar praised Mehdi Hassan and said that it was because of him many people had started singing.

“A voice like his may never be heard again.”

She said she had all records Hassan had released and liked every single ghazal of his.

Reactions

Nadeem Baig: “Hassan’s demise was a big loss, adding that a voice like his might never be heard again.”

“I had been humming one of Hassan’s songs in the morning today and it was later that I had found out about his demise,” said the actor.

Baig added that he was “blessed” to have had the opportunity to picturise his songs.

He also recalled that the maestro had encouraged him to sing and had said that he would teach him. He also said that he had thoroughly enjoyed hearing him live.

Tina Sani: “This kind of excellence – which is Mehdi Hassan – came with a lot of hard work. You may have a glimmer of talent, but if you don’t do this work of excellence with passion, then the question is: how will we ever produce another Mehdi Hassan or Ustad Ghulam Ali?”

“It’s a day to think. Legends don’t die. They are way beyond that. For all these people we are losing are products of 1950s, 1960s and some of 1970s.”

She added that Hassan had given the world the legacy of ghazals and he was a “passport” for people like her when they went out to perform in the world.

Ali Zafar: “There are some who are beyond the captive of time and age. One such maestro was Mehdi Hassan. He may not be amongst us physically anymore but he will certainly live forever in our hearts and minds through his ghazals and geets.”

“His gift to all of us including my generation and many more to come is intangible in words. He was more than an inspiration. He went as the greatest living ghazal maestro and we were lucky to have him. Hence I believe that we need to really show how we pay respect and ode to our heroes by doing something more meaningful than just condolences.”

“I think our  government  should construct a monument or an institution based on the great wisdom or the treasure of music he has left us with to enlighten our future generations with the same, and show the world how we value our art and artists,” added Zafar.

Javed Akhtar: Indian poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar, while speaking to an Indian news channel, was all praise for the ghazal maestro, stating that Hassan’s voice gave one solace and peace.

Ahmed Ali Butt: “There will be a lot of people giving tributes and remembering a legend. He has been sick for some time and his family had been asking for support. So the question arises, why we cannot support our legends while they are alive rather than name a street after them after they die.

“It’s a huge lost to the music community and to the generation of fans he has.”

Humaima Malick: Actor Humaima Malick, who is busy in Jaipur these days shooting for a film Sher opposite Sanjay Dutt, expressed grief over Hassan’s demise. In a message from India, she said, “It is definitely a cause to weep when a nation loses a personality such as Mehdi Hassan. He was respected and admired throughout the subcontinent. India and Pakistan have grown up listening to his ghazals, no matter what age or generation. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. No one can replace him as a true legend of Pakistan.”

Nawaz Sharif: Recalling his recent meeting with the ghazal maestro in Karachi few months back, Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif said he always wanted to meet Hassan and was glad he did.

“He [Hassan] couldn’t speak because he was not in good health however I sat beside him for most of the time and spoke to his family members,” he said.

Agreeing that the government should extend assistance to the artist community, Nawaz said he regrets that he couldn’t pass any law or draft a policy for this when he was in power.

Yousaf Salli: “Mehdi Hassan left behind followers across the world. If one talks about classical gharanas (households) I think he was a gharana within himself.”

Sahir Ali Bagga: “Today’s music is what I like to call weekend music, but you could listen to Mehdi Hassan for a lifetime and never get bored.”

Fareeda Khanum: “He would sing at night, in the morning and at every moment. His passion created an environment that was lost in the music.”]]>
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			<title>Ali Zafar prays for Mehdi Hassan's good health</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/322828/ali-zafar-prays-for-mehdi-hassans-good-health</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/322828/ali-zafar-prays-for-mehdi-hassans-good-health#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 12 05:19:35 +0500</pubDate>
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			<category><![CDATA[Gossip]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[There is no singer like Mehdi Hassan, never was, can never be, says Ali.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistani actor-singer Ali Zafar says ailing ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan is irreplaceable and has hoped that he recovers soon.

"Mehdi Hassan Khan Sahab. Jab tak aapka saya hum per rahay ga. Humaara naata sachay sur say jura rahay ga. Khuda aapko sehat aur tandrusti de (As long as your blessings are with us, we will remain connected to divine music. May god bless you with good health and well-being)," Ali posted on his Twitter page.

"There is no singer like Mehdi Hassan, never was, can never be. Sir you are in all our prayers," added Ali, who has acted in Bollywood films like "Tere Bin Laden" and "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan".

According to reports, the 84-year-old is currently in the intensive care.]]>
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			<title>Mehdi Hassan admitted to hospital, put on ventilator</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/320339/mehdi-hassan-admitted-to-hospital</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/320339/mehdi-hassan-admitted-to-hospital#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jan 12 03:14:37 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[express]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Music]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=320339</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Hassan had trouble breathing on Tuesday, after which he was rushed to hospital.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Legendary ghazal maestro, Mehdi Hassan was admitted into the intensive care unit (ICU) of Karachi's Aga Khan Hospital after he had trouble breathing, Express News reported on Wednesday.

Hassan, 84, who has been suffering from a lung condition for the past 12 years, had to be rushed to hospital after his condition worsened late on Tuesday, January 10.

Doctors, after analysing his condition, put the ailing musician on a ventilating machine. They conducted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans and blood tests of the veteran singer, who has recently lost his voice.

"He had trouble in breathing. We immediately rushed him to the hospital. He is in ICU but there is no positive response from the doctors about his condition," Hassan's son Arif Mehdi said. "We have been feeding him through tube for the past two years and for the past one month, he has even lost his voice," he added.

Arif says that while they did not expect any help from any government functionary, but Hassan's medical treatment ought to be made free for the rest of his natural life.

Doctors are keeping the ghazal maestro under observation.

Hassan was due to visit India for medical treatment last year, however doctors ruled out travel due to his condition.]]>
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