Dawn Images

A musical concert was arranged on Tuesday evening to pay tribute to classical Urdu ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan Khan and raise awareness regarding the significance of classic music tradition.

Guest and local ghazal artists enthralled the audience with their sweet oldies of Mehdi Hassan Khan.

The event was organised by Sargam Guide Music Academy (SGMA) in collaboration with the Peshawar Press Club at Zubair Mir Hall. A select gathering of tasteful music lovers and local folk artists attended the function.

Kamran Mehdi Hassan, son of Mehdi Hassan Khan, stole the show as he sang oldies of his legendary father.

The event was held in connection with All Pakistan Jashn-i-Mehdi Hassan Khan to commemorate his 12th death anniversary across the country. Kamran Mehdi, Hafsa Nadeem, Shahid Ali Khan and Zulfiqar Bhatti sang old numbers of Khan Sahib and received thunderous applause from the audience.

Kamran Mehdi Hassan in his brief speech pointed out that his legendary father’s contribution to Urdu classical tradition altogether changed the music landscape of the subcontinent and also left an incredible mark on future ghazal singing genre.

A R Anwar, chief of Sargam Guide Music Academy, while dwelling upon his long association with late Mehdi Hassan Khan, said that he had known the legendary ghazal maestro since his early school days in Karachi and found him a perpetual fountain of inspiration for music lovers.

He said that Khan Sahib’s association with Peshawar was based on his love for KP Urdu poets including Ahmad Faraz and Qateel Shafai and a few others. He had even performed in Nishtar Hall in early 80s, he added.

Riaz Khan, co-organiser of the event, stated that Mehdi Hassan’s velvety voice not only impacted KP artists but also won hearts of many others and their love and regard for the legendary ghazal maestro would remain alive in their minds.

Arshad Aziz Malik, the president of Peshawar Press Club, senior member of PPC Farooq Firaq and Dr Rais Merchant also spoke at the event.

Later, the guest and local singers sang popular ghazals including Zindagi May Too, Ranjes Hi Sahi, Gulo May Rang and Ku Ba Ku and a few others.

Originally published in Dawn, October 9th, 2024