End of an era as Mehdi Hassan passes away
KARACHI: After being unwell for a long period of time, Pakistan’s legendary classical singer Mehdi Hassan passed away at a local hospital in Karachi on Wednesday. He was 84.
His son Asif told reporters outside the ghazal maestro had been suffering from multiple lung, chest and urinary tract conditions. His health suddenly deteriorated for the worse early Wednesday, leading to his death around 12:15 PM.
Mehdi Hasan’s body was taken to Karachi’s Gulberg area where family members as well as a large number of relatives, friends and fans had gathered.
So far, no announcement has been made for the legendary singer’s funeral.
The undisputed ghazal king, or the ‘Shahenshah-e-Ghazal’, had not only captivated millions of music fans across South Asia, but had a major following throughout the world.
Hassan was born to a family of musicians on July 18, 1927 in Indian Rajasthan, and later migrated to Pakistan after partition.
Although he was involved in music since his childhood, he formally started his musical journey from Radio Pakistan in 1952 — a career that would span over 25,000 recordings including songs featured in movies as well as ghazals.
Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed his condolences, calling Hassan “an icon who mesmerised music lovers” in Pakistan and the sub-continent for decades.
Indian singing legend Lata Mangeshkar told a Pakistani private TV channel that his death was a “big loss”.
Hassan also won awards and accolades in India and Nepal, as well as Pakistan.
He was born in India and migrated to Pakistan after partition and independence from British rule in 1947.
He died but his unforgettable voice can never die
There are many singers. But few leave a stamp of their work. Mehdi Hassan defined his own class. It is so heart warming to see messages from all over the world particularly from India and other countries. An artist is truly a shared asset of humanity at large. May Allah rest his soul in peace and may he receive back the joy he gave to so many for so long.
great loss to the ghazal lovers
May his soul always rest in peace; Ameen!
A maestro indeed, but how about the height that Urdu poetry also reached through a vast number of urdu poets from both Pakistan and India and both new and the not so new, coupled with mesmerising music to add!
The poetry and the songs shall stay with us for ever.
To all my friends who have commented n thel oss of this Icon .I must say we alove each other .Thank U so very much .
the art and culture fraternity has become poorer at the tragic loss of medhi saheb. with a melodious voice, he was adored the world over. late ustad dr bismillah khan saheb, himself admired his voice.
may the ALMIGHTY grant his soul peace at his feet and courage to members of family to bear the loss.
narendera k gupta
vice president
dr ustad bismillah khan educational society [registered]
new delhi/india
009810685704
May his soul rest in peace, the late Mr. Mehdi Hasan's music will live till eternity–winning hearts everywhere! He belonged to the world although he was born in India and chose to spend some time in Pakistan. He was out and about in spirit as a free poet–sometimes sad, sometimes looking for love, often looking into people's hearts and minds, but always humane and gentle.
I don't know even almighty wants to hear miraculous & melodious voices, last year we lost Jagjit Singh & now Mehandi Hassan Sahab. God also need some peace, they are calling legends not corrupt & cruel people. India & Pakistan both share cordial relations because of such legends only, we cant expect good relations because of politicians, we can come closer due to the art and artists. May the soul Rest in Peace. Loving people of Pakistan, Indian too share this time of sadness with you.
May Allah Bless his sould and give solace to his family, friends and fans all over the world!
His music UNITED people across Borders!
The world is a sadder more solemn place with out Khan Sahab. It breaks my heart that during his last days he was miserable, in pain and had to appeal to the government for help in paying his hospital bills, he should have been taken care of better. A great Voice is now silent.
May you rest in peace Shahenshah-e-Ghazal.
Fall of a shining star …….i solemnly mourn the death of this great man. Waliul, Narayanganj, Bangladesh
Guloon Mein Rang Bhare Baad Naubahar Chale….Chale Bhi Aao ki Gulshan ka Kaarobaar chale……Kaase Kahoon Mori Sajani…..Ranjishi Sahi…….each and every song carried music to the soul……….He has left this world lesser by his absence….May his soul rest in the same peace he brought tp many……
With Mehdi Hassan's departure, the era of Ghazal has ended. Ghazal lovers have been deprived of great and quality Ghazals forever. This gap cannot be abridged.. Hassan saheb was a legend, will remain in our hearts forever. Love and passion for his Ghazals from Pakistan, India, Nepal and rest of the world has made Hassan saheb touched the legendary heights. Hassan Saheb… No one can dare to match you at all. The quality voice and performance was ALLAH's given. May ALLAH grant you an honorable place in heaven. Ameen!
Irreplaceable Loss for the world of Ghazals
We daily listen your songs, so from our point of view you are alive.You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Soofi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai has said for the persons like Mehdi Hasan,
"Manu sab na suhna, pakhi sab na hunj, kahen kahen manu manj ache booe bahar ji."
God bless Mehdi Hasan.
So lovely to see that the greatest maestro ever has admirers all over the world. His singing brings hindus, muslims, sikhs, easterners, westerners all together. May his soul rest in peace.