Bhajan Samraat Jalota recalls his interaction with Mehdi Hassan

Mumbai, June 13 (ANI): Renowned Bhajan singer Anoop Jalota on Wednesday shared his emotional thoughts about Mehdi Hassan, saying the noted ghazal singer had a soulful voice, and added that he had a huge fan following in the Indian film industry.

"Lata Mangeshkar had said that Allah rests in Mehdi Hassan's voice. The Allah talks to us through his voice. I still remember when he came to India for the first time. Several prominent personalities and artistes from the film industry gathered to receive him and welcome him in the traditional way of Indian reception of Aarati (lit lamps) offering," recalled Jalota.

"None of the artistes have got such respect and love like Mehdi Hassan. He deserved such respect and I am saddened by his demise," he added.

Terming Hassan a 'university of his kind of music', Jalota said that several Indian singers imitated his voice and he was one of the many, a fact that he is proud of.

"Many great musicians are schools of their art forms, but Mehdi Hassan was a university. Hassan has sung most emotional ghazals. Other musicians have made their careers by listening to him," said Jalota.

"They have even imitated him and so have I. I still do so and I say this with pride. Even if someone sings a little like him, then he would be counted as one of the great singers," he added.

India-born Ghazal legend Mehdi Hassan passed away earlier in the day following multiple organ failure at the age of 84.

Hassan, who had millions of fans in India and Pakistan, had been admitted to the Agha Khan Hospital in the southern port city of Karachi some days ago. He had been in a serious condition and was on ventilator.

Hassan came from a family of musicians who migrated from Rajasthan to Pakistan after the Partition. He was best known for his ghazals, but also sang thumris and playback for Pakistani films.

He received a number of awards and honours, among them the Saigal Award in India. (ANI)