Mehdi Hassan Passes Away (1927-2012)
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Photo via Sarcasmistan
Today, we lost a true music legend of our country, as Mehdi Hassan passed away at age 84 of organ failure in a private hospital in Karachi. With the passing away of the best ghazal singer of all times, the world has lost a major stalwart of the ghazal world. Vacuum left by him is never going to be filled.
His voice and selection of Ghazals provided soothing calmness to millions of his fans. The ghazal maestro is no more with us, but his golden voice and his unforgettable melodies will keep him alive in our memories. He will be always remembered with great fondness and pride, all over the world.
Music brings people together and the walls which separate, crumble. Mehdi Hassan’s music did just that. He was just as popular and respected in India, which was his birthplace, as he was in Pakistan.
Melody Queen Lata Mangeshkar had once said that Mehdi Hassan’s songs were ‘voice of God’.
The Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has expressed deep grief over the passing away of Mehdi Hassan.
Here is what some artistes had to say as they mourned the loss of the “King of ghazal”.
Ali Zafar: “Mehdi Hassan moves on & lives forever. Leaving us with a legacy of music, magic, memories and so much more than words can describe.”
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
“In my opinion, govt should build an institution on his name to continue his legacy through young / aspiring and established singers / musicians.”
Hadiqa Kiani: “Legends never die.. he will always be alive in our hearts as his soft and melodic voice will live on.”
Ahmed Ali Butt [EP]: “The Legend Mehdi Hassan is with us no more. Truly a sad day for the world and the generation he touched with his incredible voice. May God bless his soul Ameen.”
The Sketches: “Ab Ke Hum Bichre To Shayad Kabhi Khuwabon Mein Milen.. Jis Tarah Sookhe Huye Phool Kitaabon Mein Milen”
“Think of ghazals, the ones that leave you in a trance, the ones that simultaneously make you experience the pain of loss and the beauty of love and the ones that overpower your thoughts — and think of the voice behind it. You can’t think of anyone but Mehdi Hassan – He won’t be forgotten.”
Anupam Kher: “Very saddened to hear about my favourite Gazal Singer Mehdi Hassan’s demise. As a student had gate crashed into Pak Embassy to listen to him. RIP.”
Dia Mirza: “RIP Mehdi Hasan Saab… Your songs are eternal.”
Kailash Kher: “Another Legend (Mehadi Hasan) has gone from this world, Lagta hai Ghazal ka Suraj Dukhon ke baadalon ne dhak diya.”
Kabir Bedi: “Saddened that Ghazal King MEHDI HASSAN passed away. What a phenomenal impact he made with his unique voice & style!”
Shankar Mahadevan: “RIP Mehdi Hassan saab, huge loss to the world of music… your Voice is immortal though.”
Meiyang Chang: “My dad loved Mehdi Hassan sahab. He was his biggest musical influence, and as a result, my first. RIP huzoor, your voice shall never fade away.”
Farewell to Mehdi Hassan, The King of Ghazals. May you now be at peace.
