Thanks for useful article.

I think Pakistani entertainment community should do a fund raising concert to fullfil the bills of most of ailing artist.

From where will the govt of pakistan give money when they themselves are begging from other countries for help.

Dear Friends, I have the honour of knowing our beloved “khan Sahib”…Mehdi Hasan…the “Pride of Pakistan”, I must say
since the 70s; when I began my broadcasting
career; which continues to the present day;
thus providing me some RARE opportunities
to present artistes from Khan Sb. Ghulam Ali
Kishore Kumar, Iqbal Bano, Runa Laila,Arif
Lohar and above all;late Madamji…Malika-e-Tarranum Noor Jahan; on our local as well as International stage!
In the light of the above-mentioned; I strongly feel that some of the comments from our friends seem somewhat degrading for
an artiste “par excellence” as our Mehdi Hasan! Why are people making him into a
“martyr” and or either someone whom one
should pity on? With due respects to Khan Sb. his sons could not succeed him in any
manner: mentally, musically, financially (as
they meddled with his hard-earned money,
according to their whims) thus they have no right now to blame the rest of the world!
He does not need any sort of “charity”, as
I come across comments from Bloggers, here!
For the love and respect which millions of
his fans have for him ;I would like to
dedicate my “Nazm” specially written for my
beloved “Khan Sb.” Here I will only share a few of my couplets from the otherwise long
NAZM. Hoping that most of the
readers would relish and join me in
my humble tribute to MEHDI HASAN:
Apne usloob se zamane bhar ko kiya zeir
Sharq-o-gharb sab tere huey jaanam

Dushman bhi jis awaaz ke mou’taqid huey
Gale mein rehta hai bhagwaan haai kya
sitam.
A’azaa ki shaairi kare uski har laiy
Adaaigi mein kya kamal-e-fun Allah ki
qasam.
Fann-e-yakta jagaaye tooti-e-pak-o-hind
Fida ho jaaye aalam awaaz ke wo pech-o-
kham.
Faqat tasawwur se rooh kanmp utthti hai
Saath tere jab na honge sur-o-tarannum.

Mere mehboob iss jahan mein tera saani
kahan
Tujh se dast basta kahoon aankh na ho meri
nam.
Thank you all,
Sincerely,
Farzana Khan.

PROVIDE HIS BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER , THERE IS ENOUGH FANS EAGER TO PROVE MONEY FOR HIS HEALTH IN ENTIRE WORLD, IF NOT IN PAKISTAN?

In a recent TV program an old film actor who has acted in many films was narrating an episode where Nawaz Sharif and party were preparing a propaganda movie. This was in 90’s when the “SHAM DEMOCRACY” was in full swing. The scene is that after a flood, one of the Sharif brothers is distributing checks to the make believe flood victims (most of them extras like the narrator of this story, and camera recording that. What camera did not record was a man taking away the checks afterwards.

Alas!
Its a dilema and a tragedy that how we treat our National heroes and pay gratitude to them.

its not only a matter of bouncing cheque of a legendary personality one should also note that there have been so many cheques given to poor victims of bloodshed and bomb blasts God knows did they even get there cheques cashed when people like mehdi hasan have to face a hard time….

Mehdi Hasan is surely a great musical lengend but there should be equality when it comes to provision of health services to citizens. Majority of people in Pakistan belong to the lower income group. Dont they deserve same services which are provided to the so called “Lengendary Musical Icons”. Mehdi Hasan must have charged money for his singing so how come he couldnt pay for medical services which were pertaining solely to his own health issues.

Yeh Watan Tumhara hey
Tum ho Pasban is kay!
A song sung by this great Maestro Called Mehdi Hassan.
O Taseer with Pasban like you we better be dead than alive.

Mr. Mehdi Hassan, I am a great fan of your talent. Wish you a healthy life. My advice to you is don’t trust these politicians, they are used to telling lies and passing fake checks, they are never honest anyway.

Following on from my previous comments dated March 22nd, 2009 at 22:24 and after vewing some more comments i would like to elaborate a bit a more on this…

First of all I would like to respond to Salma Bibi’s comments that says ” You don

How tragic is that!!! and how long are we going to be treated like animals in pakistan.
What really requires to awake the conciousness in a general pakistani.
It is true that people from subcontinent have always been ruled by aliens, but it seems like people from that part of the world got some fetishes of being slaves and can

People should realise by now that Musharrf was right when in 2005 or 2006 he said those sitting out side have their eyes on the wealth of the Nation . How right he was.

It is amusing to read that ganta in pakistan seriously believe that State is runnung on the basis of tax payers contribution.It is absurd.State is being run on the basis of overseas contributions(aids,loans ,overseas pakistani remitencies etc).Very little from inside resources

I think it is really shameful that some people here are criticizing Mehdi Hassan for not having a careful lifestyle and spending lavishly. Why can’t we as a nation think positively about anything? Why do we always have to be so critical of everything and anything? You don

We should not amalgamate politcs with passions. If shahbaz was out his check given to Mehdi Hassan should not have been bounced. This happens only in Pakistan, a land of pure!!!

this is really shameful for all of us
that a person who gave his whole life for his homeland is on mercy to the Govt, cheque bounced back, and they (politicians) are busy in sparkling their politics

Well nowadays the Sharif brothers are seeking public’s fondness and I suppose they have a good chance to do so by aiding the legendary artist. But one should ask Mehdi that where did he spend all his income he earned.

It was probably a ‘waste of money’ for Mr.Governor like the sasta tandoor project.

May Allah bless Mr.Mehdi with a good health.

Following on from my previous comments dated the March 22nd, 2009 at 9:21 and after reading a few more comments from people…it seems people are of this opinion that they will get justice the next day or just after this reinstatement of old Judicicary.People of Pakistan(OUR NATION) are so naive…..they just love personalities.
Please remember the Sharifs Muslim League was the same political party that vandalised Supreme Court 28th Nov 1997.They themselves are the remanents of the dictatorship of Zia-ul-Haque.Now they talk about Independant Judiciary.

Same so called principled judge took the Oath first time under same dictator..THEY MAKE HIM A HERO…if he was so principled why did he took the oath first time. AGAR ALLAH KA DAR THA..!
My dear readers you may not agree but it was a clash of personalities..that we experience every where in our day to day life.

THESE ARE ALL POLITICAL STUNTS MY DEAR READERS.WE SHOULD ALL NOW UNDERSTAND WHATS HAPPENING IN OUR COUNTRY.

Someone has mentioned that Mehdi Hassan is an icon… yes you may be right but there are many others and many others related to one as well.. what about those people…. But that doesn’t mean you get a blank cheaque ..what about thousands of children who suffer from Thalasemia, who sleep with hunger on the streets and humiliated every day…WAKE UP NATION

its really sad and embarrassing to share these happenings with some foreign native…every day i get up that there will be one thing that we will be proud of our leaders but every day they have something to say and act in such a manner that we can’t change our minds.

it’s heart wrenching that he is a legend and he deserves govt help in fact why does he need to ask for…there should some health insurance facility. bouncing check, in such a critical moment! How unprofessional and where is your loyalty gone towards this nation when you dont have respect for these people…who are the pillars of our country.

He is one of the very few legends in the country. It is a shame for our ruling class. Please advertise his bank a/c and I am sure people inside or outside the country will raise enough money so at leat he should have a proper treatment.

I didn’t get if story emphasises on mehdi hasan health or a cheque bounce story of shahbaz sharif (i believe it’s from punjab govt cheque and not from Mr. sharif’s personal account). Anyway cheque bounce is a serious legal and shameful offence in India he must go through legal way to get it’s money. At least now Mr. iftikhar chaudhary is heading judiciary. justice can be expected.

It’s not a new behaviour of sharif brothers i remember in their preivious tenure they destributed cheques to the affectees of floods but after the camera was remove cheques were taken back not even waited for them to bounce,As said by an old man who according to them(sharif brothers) was a major affectee……

It’s shameful on the part of Governor, I’d say.
Oftentimes, the cheque-drama is merely for the photo-session and the actual amount, money is to come in rather long, painfully delayed installments for the poor and effectees, just like in the case of earthquake victims.

Like some said, what did Mehdi hassan did with all the money(in millions of dollars) prizes,royalties, commissions cash awards etc he gathered during last 40 years of his singing? what if do not want to pay for his health from my tax money? it is the right of each citizen of Pakistan to get an affordable health care! why the artists are the only group to get health assistance from tax payers money??

Yet another example of dirty politics. What business did Mr. Shahbaz Sharif have issuing a state check for matter of his own publicity. If he was so sympathetic to Mehdi Hassan’s health then why not write a check from his own account. It is not a mystery how much money sharif brothers have made with their corrupt govt schemes and bribes. Come on guys lets open up our eyes and stop pretending that corruption doesnt exist and the sharif brothers are innocent of everything they have been ever accused of.

Hi – Mazhab Islam does not allow to help Mehdi Hasan – because in Islam music is prohibited – that is why good muslim not coming forward to help him – first change the teaching of islam then Muslims will help Hehdi Hasan. regards

Its a surprise to hear all this,
Firstly there are state owned (governmental) hospitals in Lahore,Islamabad and Karachi with skilled specialists why cant Mehdi Hassan be treated in those.Why does he have to be treated in Agha Khan Hospital
Secondly,Is Mehdi Hassan really so poor that he can’t afford to pay the bills,
Lastly both Sharifs are very rich any way.Why cant they themselves they go abroad to treat their own families.How ridiculous that tax payers money is being spent on one individual instead being spent on the population.Is this Justice..?

While the govt and the people are being asked to learn lessons here, I think artists themselves must also learn lessons in being wise with their earnings, and not lead a lavish and wasteful lifestyle.

I have great respect and admiration for Khan Saheb, and this is not a very appropriate moment to criticize; still it must be an eye opener for all of us especially artists, singers, actors and show biz people.

Mehdi Hassan Saheb has been one of the most well paid and widely hired artists in the history of Pakistan. He had a long career as a playback singer as well as concert artist in Pakistan and abroad. It is sad to see his condition, even sadder to know that much of this could have been different with a careful lifestyle.

May Allah Ta’ala ease out his suffering. It is still a satisfaction that he continues to get monetary support in Lakhs as mentioned above.

Mr Hasan made a lot of money during his long career, why should he get special treatment when th eequally hard working but many times poor pakistani citizen does not get any help from the govt, girls sitting at home unmarried because no money for jahaiz, orphan children begging the streets for food, I find it ridiculous when some people say mehdi Hasan deserves free help from the govt, why? What about the poor people? who will help them? Mr Hasan is over 80 years old, how much more can he live? They should let him die in peace or his family should spend some of the fortunes he collected during his long life, thats what he worked for, so he could help himself during a rainy day.

Stop worshipping personalities, they deserve our prayers and help but they have no right to it, there should be a welfare system for all Pakistanis.

mehdi hassan is an icon , it is now the responsibility of pakistani nation and the state to take over his treatment immediately

Since every one know about pakistan’s economic situation, why family esp. singer’s sons can not financially help their dad. i being from a lower middle class family took care parents for years with terminal aliment with hard earned/halal rizq. Oh pakistanis what happened to your self and family prestige.
thanks.

Is this a lesson for the talented and a huge endorsement of the current trait where even the least of skilled artists runs for money…money matters, at least when you are badly in need and all that the nation including President, Prime Minister, chief ministers and your fans can put together for a desperate maestro is Rs 12,50,000/-. Shame, shame

FIRST OF ALL WE ALL SHOULD PRAY FOR THE GOOD HEALTH OF MEHDI HASAN. AND THE DAWN SHOULD CLEARLY MENTION HIS ACCOUNT SO THAT ANYBODY WHO CAN GIVE MONEY SHOULD REACH HIM DIRECTLY. THE GOVT SHOULD ALSO HELP HIM IN THIS BAD TIME. AND ALSO THE ARTIST OF THIS COUNTRY.

Why not all citizens of Pakistan are provided with Health Insurance and Basic Health Facility through Government. Why one waits for a news of celebrity to fall ill and Govt take adhoc action? I do not know why in our country there is difference between common man and others yet we calim to be Muslims.

I pray for health of Mr. Hassan and have saympathies with his family. At the same time I pray when we as a nation will earn our rights of basic citizenship as provided in the Constituion of Pakistan.

Mr. Mahdi hassan has been singing all his life and that sure was not for free. he must have earned a lot touring the whole world. Noor Jahan like him took good care of her “talents” and money and had a prosperous life. I wonder why artist like Mahdi Hassan suddenly run out of money when it comes to medical facilities. No one in Pakistan get free medical or cheques from the government so why Mahdi Hassn, as I mentioned earlier he never sang for free.

Yes , cheque is bounced and so the life of the Ghazal Mastereo. God bless him and give him good health. I request now to Mr UMER Sharif to share the respect of “SHARIF’s. Umer Sharif now have to come forward to save other Sharif’s. Mr Umer SHareef has already started a fund raising for Artists, Poets and Writers of SINDH.
I request Mr Umer SHARIF to come forward and do some thing for the Ghazal and Mr. Mehdi Hassan ( Bhagwan Bolta Hai — Lata Mangeshkar)
Chale bhee aao kay gulshan ka karobar chaly—- Faiz Sahab

I think we should learn a lesson from our neighboring country India where Legends are not only referred with these titles but also treated as one!!! Attitudes like these force our singers to go out and make name for themselves in foreign countries, what a shame!!

I really hope CJP Ifthikhar takes a note of this and orders necessary action from federal govt!

Legends are country’s property. Gov. Punjab should have let the cheque through. After all money was not going to Shareefs. It was going to a country’s legend on bed, badly in need of immediate relief.

Most major politicians when in power,dead or alive, received expensive medical treatment abroad on government expenses.
This inspite of millions stashed away in foreign accounts.
So what fault Mr Mehdi Hassan has done.

I ALWAYS WONDERED WHEN I HEARD THE THINGS LIKE THAT Why doesn

Everyone has the right to express their anger and views on the bounced cheque. However I think there is an opportunity for many of us to come together and donate generously to help Ustad Mehdi Hassan and his family who are facing an uphill task and challanges.
DAWN should have checked and published accurate details of account where donations can be made where proceeds would actually go directly to Mr. Hassan for his treatment.

Shame on Shahbaz (and Shareef brothers) who issued government check while he knew Pakistan government is already in money crisis, why did he not open his own pocket checkbook?

Why doesn’t the government provide free health insurance to our talented artists? This would automatically ensure that they won’t need anyone’s assistance in sickness.

Shareef Brothers could not help..Amazing.. Is Mr. Mehdi Hasan really poor?

Shareef Brothers are billionaires and it’s shameful on their part after government of Punjab’s check, that was issued to Mehdi Hassan, was bounced Shahbaz Shareef didn’t bother to issue personal check to Mehdi Hassan for the treatment. Remember Shahbaz Shareef loves ghazals sung by Mehdi Hassan and being a fan of him SS could have give him half a million rupees in his personal capacity as well !

I would like to know how many cheques that President Ali Zardari issued in his life and bounced back?