By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: A reception hosted by the Asian Art Council turned into a celebration of legacy, music, and cultural pride as Kamran Mehdi Hassan—son of the late legendary Ghazal maestro Mehdi Hassan—was honored. The evening unfolded at Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and leading personalities from art, media, and academia gathered in homage to a lineage that continues to define South Asia’s musical soul.
Syed Imtiaz-ul-Haq Bukhari, a local businessman, who praised the late Mehdi Hassan as a global icon, stating, “He was revered not only in Pakistan but everywhere Urdu is spoken and cherished.” Paying tribute to Kamran, adding, “It brings immense pride to see Mehdi Hassan’s son carrying out the legacy and enchanting audiences worldwide.” Kamran Mehdi Hassan received a warm welcome from the guests that included art promotor Dr. Raees Merchant, drama producer Safir Butt, actors Khalid Zafar and Sharafat Ali Shah, among others.
Meanwhile, Aslam Mahmood Dehlvi, art organizer, described Mehdi Hassan as “the name of an era,” underscoring that his musical influence had transcended borders. “Kamran is not merely continuing his father’s legacy, he is indeed nourishing a tradition that belongs to the collective cultural memory of the Urdu-speaking world.” In response, Kamran Mehdi Hassan expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dehlvi for his unwavering support in promoting Ghazal tradition and for standing by the Hassan family over the years.
“This honor belongs to my father’s memory,” Kamran said, “and I’m humbled to see that the love for his music lives on so vividly in the hearts of the people.” Raees Merchant shared anecdotes from Kamran’s last tour in Pakistan, recalling the reception, he received across major cities. He announced that Kamran would be performing again this year in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi—an affirmation that the art of Ghazal continues to captivate generations both old and new.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic gesture, as Kamran Mehdi was presented with traditional Sindhi Ajrak, and bouquets—tokens of reverence not just for an artist, but for a cherished cultural lineage.
