Mehdi Hassan would be cremated today at Quaid-e-Azam mazar (Mazar-e-Quaid) in Karachi, according to his Son Arif.
“My father’s condition started deteriorating early morning and he breathed his last around 12:15 in the afternoon. All his children were by his side during his last moments. We can now just pray for his soul to rest in peace,” Arif said.
He also revealed that the family will be make arrangement for his father’s fans to pay their last respects to him. “We will definitely make special arrangements for his fans, who want to see him for the last time,” he added.
Meanwhile Entire Bollywood has lamented his sad demise. Most of the Bollywood Stars used Twitter to offer condolences to the Ghazal Maestro.
Shreya Ghoshal: Mehdi Hassan saab is no more. The voice, who made many music lovers and lovers find an expression of their hearts’ stories, is gone. R.I.P. Saddened beyond comprehension.
“Jagjit ji (Jagjit Singh), now Mehdi saab. The voices who kept the legacy of ghazals alive are gone… This void can never be filled ever again.”
Anupam Kher: Very saddened to hear about my favourite ghazal singer Mehdi Hassan’s demise. As a student I had gate-crashed into Pakistan Embassy to listen to him. RIP.
Kailash Kher: Another Legend (Mehdi Hassan) has gone from this world. Lagta hai ghazal ka suraj dukhon ke baadalon ne dhak diya (It seems the sun of ghazals is hiding behind clouds of sadness).
Shankar Mahadevan: RIP Mehdi Hassan saab, huge loss to the world of music. Your voice is immortal though.
Madhur Bhandarkar: Emperor of ghazals no more… R.I.P Mehdi Hassan. You will be missed sorely!
Kabir Bedi: Saddened that Ghazal King Mehdi Hassan passed away. What a phenomenal impact he made with his unique voice and style!
Manoj Bajpayee: Ghazal King, one of my favourites, Mehdi saab passed away. May his soul rest in peace!
Meiyang Chang: My dad loved Mehdi Hassan saab. He was his biggest musical influence, and as a result, my first. RIP huzoor, your voice shall never fade away.
Dia Mirza: RIP Mehdi Hassan saab. Your songs are eternal.