PM, leaders express deep grief over Mehdi Hassan's demise

New Delhi, Jun 13: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led millions of fans in India in mourning the demise of Ghazal king Mehdi Hassan, saying he will always have a special place in the world of music.

Expressing "deep grief" over the passing away of Hassan, the Prime Minister said 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. "Hassan brought the sub-continental Sufi sensibilities to life through his songs," Singh said.

Leaders from various political parties condoled Hassan's death and said his mellifluous voice will continue to echo for generations.

In his message, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal described Hassan as a versatile singer who gave new dimension to the Ghazal singing and regaled millions of music lovers not only in his country but across the globe. He said that Hassan's death has created a void which was difficult to fill. Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal described Hassan as 'Shahenshah-e-Ghazal'.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that with Hassan's death, India and Pakistan lost their true cultural ambassador. "Hassan leaves behind a rich legacy and a treasure trove of beautiful melodies behind. With his death, we have lost a true cultural ambassador of India and Pakistan," she said.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said music buffs will never forget his ghazals while his Rajasthan counterpart Ashok Gehlot said he was saddened by Hassan's demise. Rajasthan government had in January offered to bear all medical expenses of the ailing singer in India and also taken up the issue of visa to his family members with the Centre last month.

PTI