The Urdu Ghazal Legend, Ustad Mehdi Hassan, died in Karachi Pakistan on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 and with his demise a 'great chapter' in the history of South Asian classical music came to an end. He was undoubtedly the undisputed "King of Ghazal". Many great artists, singers and millions of his fans in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and many other countries of the world loved to hear him sing through his 'divine throat'.
The enchantment that he has left through his voice is not going to vanish soon and may guide and soothe many generations to come. As a recognition of his work, art and skill, he was honored with Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Pride of Performance and Hilal-e-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan, andGorkhaDakshinaBahu by the Government of Nepal. Moreover, he also received the Nigar Film and Graduate Awards from Pakistan and the Saigal Award in Jalandhar, India.
The recognition or position he gained in the eastern classical music is difficult to achieve. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he was an institution, for he would remain Ustad (teacher) for many generations of singers to come. Hearing the tragic news of his death, there were many to respond with awe and condolence. The prominent leaders (including the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan and Indian Prime Minister), singers, artists and numerous other people in different parts of the world have something to say about him.
Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, said, "Hassan brought the sub-continental Sufi sensibilities to life through his songs".
LataMangeshkar, the prominent Indian singer, said, "A voice like his may never be heard again. It was because of him that many people had started singing". LataMangeshkar had once said, "Bagwan (god) sings through his voice." Another ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali said: "I'm completely shocked to hear about his demise." Commending the legacy of Hassan; the Indian poet and lyricist JavedAkhtar, said, "His voice gave solace and peace."Definitely, his voice stood in perfect harmony to the definition that "music is the food of soul." It was believed by many that though music is the food of soul, Mehdi Hassan was the singer who was able to touch the soul of music.
Born in 1927 in a village called Luna in Rajasthan (India), Mehdi Hassan never had a formal education. He was educated solely in the field of classical music since the age of eight by his father UstadAzeem Khan and uncle Ustad Ismail Khan. Mehdi Hassan was hailing from a family that produced fifteen generations of musicians before him. In several interviews, Hassan called his generation as 'solvapusht' (sixteenth generation) of the traditional musicians.
Due to his remarkable career in Ghazal singing, he was bestowed with the title of Shahenshah-e-Ghazal (The King of Ghazal singing). Pakistani Sufi singer AbidaParveen said: "Extremely sad news, feeling like I've lost my elder brother. Mehdi always remained dedicated to ghazal singing."
It can be said without any hesitation that as long as there is any mention of classical music, the name of Mehdi Hassan will be there. He has died, but his music and art will never die and will keep on soothing the fans and lovers of music. It is believed by the critics of music that singing is both a gift and skill and Ustad Mehdi Hassan was equipped with both of them. His voice could penetrate deep in the hearts of the listeners and could show them the path to peace and contentment and his skills will dominate the world of Urdu Ghazal for a long time.