Legendary singer Mehdi Hassan’s 96th Birth anniversary being observed today

Lahore: The 96th birth anniversary of legendary singer Mehdi Hassan being observed today.

Born on July 18, 1927 in Rajasthan, Mehdi Hassan Khan ruled over the hearts of millions of admirers in both Pakistan and India through his more than 25,000 songs and ghazals. 

He was born in a family of musicians and got basic training from his father Ustad Azeem Khan. 

Mehdi Hassan took a keen interest in Urdu poetry and wrote several ghazals inspired by the great writers of the day, such as Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Ahmad Faraz.

The renowned vocalist initially had a chance to perform on Radio Pakistan in 1957 as a Thumri singer, and from that point on he never looked back. His new journey started from here and he sang evergreen ghazals and super-hit playback songs. He is considered as the best ghazal singer of all time.

Mehdi Hassan has always been a tremendous fan of Lata Mangeshkar, who once claimed, "God speaks in his throat."

Ranjish hi Sahi Dil Hi Dukhane K Liye Aa, Patta Patta Boota Boota, Dil-E-Nadan Tujhe Hua Kya Hai, Gullon Mein Rang Bhare, Ik Husn Ki Devi Se Mujhe Pyar Hua Tha, Jab Koi Pyaar Se Bulaye Ga and Dil Ki Baat Labon Par Laakar are among his all-time hits.

Along with Ahmed Rushdi, he continued to be a prominent vocalist for the film business for many years. During his musical career, he sang for more than 300 movies.

Google also paid rich tribute to the late singer on his 91st birthday with its doodle feature in 2018.

He received various honors from the Pakistani government, including the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, Pride of Performance, and Hilal-e-Imtiaz awards.

Mehdi Hassan died on June 13, 2012 after a protracted illness in Karachi.