Mehdi Hassan brought Sufi sensibilities to life: PM

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, has expressed deep grief over the passing away of noted ghazal singer Mehdi Hassan.

Extending his condolences to the bereaved members of the noted Ghazal singer’s family, Dr Singh said Hassan brought the sub-continental Sufi sensibilities to life through his songs.

“The influence of his passion for Urdu poetry and initial grooming in Dhrupad tradition earned for him a special place in the world of music,” he added

India-born Ghazal legend Mehdi Hassan passed away earlier in the day following multiple organ failure at the age of 84.

Hassan, who had millions of fans in India and Pakistan, had been admitted to the Agha Khan Hospital in the southern port city of Karachi some days ago. He had been in a serious condition and was on ventilator

Hassan came from a family of musicians who migrated from Rajastha to Pakistan after the Partition. He was best known for his ghazals, but also sang thumris and playback for Paksitani films

He received a number of awards and honours, among them the Saigal Award in India.