Srinagar, June 13: ‘Ghazal bereft of soul!’ a Kashmiri netizen wrote on his Facebook page after hearing about the death of Shahanshah-e-Ghazal Mehdi Hassan.
While music lovers and artists of the valley were shocked over the death, the artist community expressed their deep sorrow saying they have lost a master.
Famous Ghazal singer Muneer Ahmad Mir remembers Hassan as an institution in himself. “He is my Guru as I listened to most of his tracks. I also have the privilege of seeing him perform live on stage in Calcutta. I will never forget that moment of his breathtaking singing,” Mir said.
“His style was different. He had innovated the art form and set a trend for others to follow.”
Known singer Kailaish Mehra said she wept after hearing about the death on TV.
“Artists like Mehdi Hassan Khan Sahab never die. Though he left us physically but he will continue to remain alive through his sensational art,” Mehra told Greater Kashmir.
Valley’s known singer Waheed Jeelani believes the leader in the caravan of Ghazal is no more.
Terming Hassan’s death end of an era, singer and composer Ajaz Rah said he was inspired by his creations. “His famous Ghazal ‘Rafta Rafta Woh Mere Hasti Ka Samaan Hogaye’ brought me closer to the art. I still listen to his songs and will continue to get inspiration,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 14 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST