The journey started from a bicycle shop

Mehdi Hasan, known as Shahenshah-e-Ghazal in the world of Ghazal, won the hearts of crores of people with his voice. He created his own identity on the basis of hard work and courage. There was a time when he had to work as a mechanic at a bicycle shop to support his family. Despite difficult circumstances, he did not give up music and later became one of the biggest names in the world of Ghazal.

Also read: From ‘Chand Mera Dil’ to ‘Maa Inti Bangaram’, know – what to watch today on OTT from Netflix to Hot Star?

I was accompanied by music since childhood.

Mehdi Hasan was born on 18 July 1927 in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. He was born in a family where music was present for generations. His father Ustad Azim Khan and uncle Ustad Ismail Khan were great artists. He got musical environment since childhood and started taking music lessons at the age of just 8 years. He learned the nuances of classical music at an early age. By the time he reached the age of 18, Mehdi Hasan had a good command of Dhrupad, Thumri and Khayal singing.

Life changed after partition

Just when his career was about to progress, the partition of the country changed his life. After the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, Mehdi Hasan went to Pakistan with his family. Starting at a new place was not easy. The family was going through a financial crisis and it had become difficult to meet daily needs. At such a time, Mehdi Hasan started working as a mechanic at a bicycle shop to take care of the family responsibilities, however, he never gave up the practice of music.

Work during the day, study at night

He used to work during the day and practice at night. This Riyaz later became his biggest strength. After struggling for about ten years, he got a chance to sing on Radio Pakistan in the year 1957. Initially he made his mark by singing Thumri, but soon he turned to Ghazal singing. His understanding of classical music and his style of singing by feeling the words made him different from other singers. Within no time, Mehdi Hasan became a big name in the world of Ghazal.

Got recognition in the world including India

After this he sang many memorable songs in Pakistani films also. His identity was not only limited to Pakistan, but people in India and many countries of the world also became crazy about his voice. His sung ghazals ‘Ranjish hi sahi’, ‘Gulon mein rang bhare’, ‘Ab ke hum bichhade to shayed’, ‘Dil-e-nadan tujhe hua kya hai’ and ‘Mohabbat karne wale kam na honge’ are heard widely among the people even today.

Many big artists of India were also admirers of Mehdi Hasan’s voice. Praising his singing, great singer Lata Mangeshkar had said that it seems as if God speaks in Mehdi Hassan Sahab’s throat. Many big singers including Jagjit Singh considered him as their inspiration.

Also read: Ajay Devgan’s ‘Dhamal 4’ crosses Rs 100 crore, did a great job on Friday

He received many big honors for his special contribution in the world of music. The Government of Pakistan gave him honors like Pride of Performance, Tamga-e-Imtiaz, Hilal-e-Imtiaz and Nishan-e-Imtiaz. In India, he was honored with the KL Sehgal Award in the year 1979. Nepal government also gave him Gorkha Dakshina Bahu honour.

Mehdi Hasan died on 13 June 2012 in Karachi. Due to illness he said goodbye to the world, but his voice is still alive.

America’s Vice President JD Vance is embroiled in controversy regarding one of his statements. In fact, he said about his wife Usha Vance, who comes from a Hindu family, that he hopes that one day his wife will convert to Christianity. After his statement, huge protests have started on social media.

Mehdi Hasan raised objection

British journalist Mehdi Hasan also responded to the controversy and wrote on Hasan made the comment in response to a post by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), which had urged him to try to understand Hinduism.

Hindu American Foundation’s response

HAF wrote on The organization further wrote, “No one is forced to change religion in Hinduism. It is an inclusive and pluralistic religion, in which every person has the freedom to understand the concept of God in his own way.”

With respect @JDVanceif your wife encouraged you to re-engage with your faith, why not reciprocate that and engage with Hinduism too?

If you did you may well learn that Hinduism doesn’t share the need to wish your spouse comes around to see things as you do in terms of… https://t.co/fkQQgclNDl

— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) October 31, 2025

JD Vance clarified

As the controversy escalated, JD Vance clarified that his wife had inspired him to rejoin Christianity. He said, “My wife has been the biggest blessing. She is not a Christian herself and has no plans to convert, but like any interfaith relationship, I want her to see things the way I do one day.” Vance also said that no matter what his wife’s religion is, he will always love and respect her.

Why did the controversy increase?

This statement of JD Vance has come at a time when the political environment in America is already sensitive regarding religious intolerance and interfaith relations. Many social media users have criticized it, linking it to a “spirit of religious conversion”, while some have termed it a “personal wish”.

Read this also-

Will the trade war end? After the Trump-Jinping meeting, US-China relations reached new heights, Pete Hegseth said – relations were never like this before.

Mehdi Hasan, who is called Shahenshah-e-Ghazal, got a lot of popularity from his ghazals. On the strength of his voice, he ruled the hearts of crores of people. India -born Mehdi Hasan got his skills ironed around the world and breathed his last in Pakistan. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, we are telling you the special things related to him.

Where was Mehdi Hasan born in India?
Mehdi Hasan was born on 18 July 1927 in a family of musicians. He was born in Luna village in Rajasthan. He learned music from his father Ustad Azim Khan and uncle Ustad Ismail Khan.

When did Mehdi Hasan go to Pakistan?
Mehdi Hasan moved to Pakistan with his family after Indo-Pak partition. Going there, he worked in a bicycle shop. After this, he continued to work as a motor mechanic.

What did Lata Mangeshkar say in praise of Mehdi Hasan?
Mehdi Hasan made his mark in 1957 as Thumri singer in Radio Pakistan. After this, he moved towards the ghazals and became enthralled. Her celebrations of her voice were also crazy. Talking to the media about Mehdi Hasan, Lata Mangeshkar said- ‘It seems that God speaks in the neck of Hasan Saheb.’

Mehdi Hasan was given K.L. The Sehgal Sangeet was also awarded the Emperor Award.

Died at the age of 84 years
When Mehdi Hasan became very ill, he got a visa to come to India for treatment. Before his death, his last wish was also to come to India. He underwent treatment in Pakistan and during this time he died. He breathed his last at the age of 84 on 13 June 2012.

What did Adnan Sami say on the death of Mehdi Hasan?
In the show ‘Aap Ki Adalat’, Adnan Sami had said that Pakistan allowed Mehdi Hasan to die in a misery. He had said- ‘Despite being called Shahenshah-e-Ghazal, Mehdi Hasan did not get help from authority in times of need.’

Mehndi Hasan’s popular ghazals

1. We are still suffering by bringing the heart of the heart
2. Lovers will not be less, in your gathering but we will not be
3. The rivalry is right
4. This time we are separated
5. What happened to you