Mumbai, June 12: In the world of music, Mehdi Hassan is revered as the ‘Shahenshah-e-Ghazal.’ His voice, filled with both pain and sweetness, captivated listeners, drawing them into his ghazals. However, his life was not without hardships. At one point, he had to work as a bicycle mechanic to support his family. His story continues to inspire millions even today. Mehdi Hassan passed away on June 13, 2012, but his journey illustrates that no obstacle can prevent one from reaching their destination.
Mehdi Hassan was born on July 18, 1927, in Luna village, Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan. His family had a rich musical heritage, with his father, Ustad Azim Khan, and uncle, Ustad Ismail Khan, being renowned classical singers of their time. Growing up in a musically vibrant environment, Mehdi began learning music at a very young age. While other children played, he dedicated hours to practice. By the age of eight, he was already receiving formal music education, mastering styles such as Dhrupad, Thumri, and Khayal by the time he reached adolescence.
However, the most challenging phase of his life came in 1947, following the partition of India and Pakistan. He was forced to leave his home and move to Pakistan, where circumstances had drastically changed. His family faced severe financial difficulties, and Mehdi’s primary challenge was to support them.
In dire straits, he took up a job as a mechanic at a bicycle shop. Later, he also repaired cars and tractors. He worked tirelessly during the day to earn money and practiced music at night. Despite poverty and hardships, he never abandoned his dreams and continued to hone his craft.
After nearly a decade of struggle, his perseverance paid off. In 1957, he got the opportunity to sing on Radio Pakistan. He started with Thumri, which quickly gained popularity. Gradually, he transitioned to ghazal singing, and his unique style and soul-stirring voice made him a household name. From that point on, he never looked back.
Mehdi Hassan’s ghazals became immensely popular in both India and Pakistan. Songs like ‘Ranjish Hi Sahi,’ ‘Gulon Mein Rang Bhare,’ ‘Rafta Rafta Woh Mere Hasti Ka Saaman Ho Gaye,’ and ‘Ab Ke Hum Bichhde’ remain favorites to this day. The legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar once remarked that it felt as if God spoke through Mehdi Hassan’s voice.
For his artistry and contributions, he received numerous prestigious awards. The Government of Pakistan honored him with accolades such as ‘Pride of Performance,’ ‘Tamgha-e-Imtiaz,’ ‘Hilal-e-Imtiaz,’ and ‘Nishan-e-Imtiaz.’ In India, he was awarded the K.L. Saigal Award in 1979, and the Nepalese government also recognized him with the Gorkha Dakshina Bahu award.
Mehdi Hassan was married twice and had a large family, with many of his children pursuing careers in music. In his later years, he battled illness but never severed his connection with music. He passed away in Karachi on June 13, 2012.
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