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Book on Mehdi Hasan launched

Mehdi Hasan

KARACHI, Dec 6: Tribute was paid to Mehdi Hasan at the launch of a book, which deals with his life and music, here on Monday.

Music lovers were, however, disappointed that the veteran vocalist, who has been in poor health, could not attend the function.

Efforts of senior journalist Asif Noorani, who compiled and edited the book titled Mehdi Hasan: the man and his music, were appreciated by all those who spoke at the book launch.

The book carries well-researched articles and anecdotes about the great singer. Two CDs, containing some of the rare ghazals sung by Mehdi Hasan, accompany the book.

The launch was jointly organised by Liberty Books and EMI Pakistan.

Those who spoke at the book launch included Zehra Nigah, Arshad Mahmood, Raza Ali Abidi, Saleem Hussain and Umar Sheikh.

Zehra Nigah, the eminent poet and chief guest, spoke about the need for acknowledging local artistes more often than is usually done. She also praised the efforts made by the author of the book.

Asif Noorani said: “It is disappointing that while five books are available on Lata Mangeshkar, not a single book is available on Mehdi Hasan, for whom she has great admiration as a singer. In our country we praise lavishly those people who are no more; I have the satisfaction of writing a book in Mehdi Hassan sahib’s lifetime”.

The book was termed a valuable contribution to recording of Pakistan’s national heritage and showing the path to young music lovers.

Mehdi Hasan’s music played in the background while guests discussed the merits of Mehdi Hasan’s music and compiler-editor Asif Noorani signed copies of the book – Source – Dawn.com

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