Nirmal Shah were among the performers who captivated the audience. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID/ Express
ISLAMABAD:
In homage to the late legendary singer Mehdi Hassan on his first death anniversary, the Pakistan National Council of the Arts organised a musical evening on Thursday. Ardent followers of classical music absorbed the soothing rhythms of songs and ghazals.
Mehdi Hassan’s story
A short documentary featuring the life and times of Hassan was screened before the concert, wherein scenes from his musical career rekindled ardent fans.
Originally from Rajhastan, India, Hassan migrated to Pakistan and launched his career from Radio Pakistan. With his effortless singing, he reigned over the hearts of music buffs not only in the county but the world over.
On top of the music world during the 60’s to 70’s, he rendered singles and duets for both Pakistani and Indian films.
The documentary shed light on the spiritual side of the legend, who has to his credit renditions of thumri and kaafi. One of his disciples dubbed him a sufi darvesh. The Indian vocalist Hari Haran considers Hassan his spiritual father. Lyricist Gulzar described his musical sensibilities as being “Gul-e-Gulzar” (flower in a garden).
Hassan’s classic “Zindagi mein tou sabhi pyar kiya kartay hai” played throughout as the film transitioned to scenes of an ailing Hassan.
Mixed performances
The concert also revisited the charm of a living legend, Shaukat Ali, who has won several awards for his singing and compositions both nationally and internationally. He has been awarded the “Voice of Punjab” title in Canada. In Pakistan, he has received a Pride of Performance award. His own composition, “Kadi te has bol ve” has garnered international acclaim and has been replicated in various Bollywood songs.
Ali’s voice, fused with the rhythms of flute and harmonium, left the audience mesmerised. His son Mohsin Shaukat Ali opened with one of his unreleased songs, to much applause.
Though popular for her music in television and films, singer Nirmal Shah could not succeed, in comparison, in impressing the audience. She opened with one of her own songs and then went on to sing Noor Jahan’s timeless melodies, including “Mein tere sang kaise chaloon”, “Mujhse pehli si muhabbat” and “Lo Chaldiye.”
An audience member commented that her vocals were not in harmony with the instruments, which marred the experience.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 15th, 2013.
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