Ghazal legend Mehdi Hassan passes away

Ghazal aficionadas mourned the passing of the legendary Mehdi Hassan, who lent his melodious voice to super hit songs such as 'Patta patta, boota boota' from the film ‘Ek Nazar’) and 'Kab Ke Bichhare.' The singer was 84 years old.

The singer, whose health had deteriorated, had been admitted at the Agha Khan Hospital in Karachi a few days ago and kept on life support. But his condition didn’t improve and he succumbed to multiple-organ failure. He is survived by his nine sons and five daughters.

Speaking to the media, Hassan’s son Arif said that his father had suffered from poor health for the last 12 years but that in the last month his condition had become very serious.
Fans of the Ghazal maestro paid their respects by gathering at the hospital when they learnt of Hassan’s passing.

Hassan was born in 1927, in Rajasthan, India to a family of classical musicians. His family migrated to Pakistan at the time of Partition in 1947.

The talented singer had to cut down on his Lollywood projects as a playback singer and live Ghazal performances in the 80’s due to his illness.