Shahenshah-e-ghazal - Mehdi Hassan, some more Mehdi Hassan gems Options

[hemdutt]

The Ghazal Legend

</SPAN>Mehdi Hassan is a legendary singer who is best known as "Shehnshah-e-Ghazal" or The King of Ghazals in Pakistan. He began his film career in 1956 and his last film as playback singer was released in 2000.

Mehdi Hassan was born in the village of Luna, Jaipur in Rajasthan, India in 1927. He was the 16th generation of hereditary musicians hailing from the Kalawant. Kala means "Art" and Kalawant means "artist". He received his musical training under his father, Ustad Azeem Khan and his uncle Ustad Ismail Khan. They instructed him in classical music and voice production within the framework of classical forms of Thumri, Dhrupad, Khayal and Dadra.

After the independence, 20 years old Mehdi Hassan and his family migrated to Pakistan and settled in Cheecha Watni, district Sahiwal. He sang in few musical functions in Lahore but could not achieve any success. He also worked at Pancholi film studio Lahore and began working in a bicycle shop and later became a car and diesel tractor mechanic. Despite the hardships, his passion for music didn't wither and he kept up the daily routine of practice.

Mehdi Hassan got chance to sing Ghazals and songs at Radio Pakistan Karachi in 1952, where his uncle Ismael Khan was established as a music director. He also got chance to sing for some Karachi made movies but failed to make any progress.

1962 was a lucky year for Mehdi Hassan when his three songs were hit. His all time hit Ghazal Gullon mein rang bharay... in film Farangi (1964) gave him breakthrough as playback singer. His peak period was in the 1970s and after the downfall of Urdu movies in the 1980s, he was ignored by the music directors. Since he mostly sang in private functions. Later due to severity of his illness he completely departed from music.

Hear I am going to share some of his Albums (Ghazals & Filmi Songs) & pay my tribute to this Legendry & great singer.

I invite other forum members for guidence , participation & contribution.




This post has been edited by hemdutt: Jun 29 2011, 10:38 AM