Mehdi Hasan’s Top 20

Raza Rumi

Mehdi Hasan died today. There are no words to capture his influence on my generation and the ones before me. I am posting a shorter version of my essay which was published in a volume “Mehdi Hasan: The Man and His Music” (2010, Liberty Books). RIP Khan Saheb. The kesari balam has finally left for his new home.. ~ (Read more here)

My friend Fifi Haroon (@FifiHaroon) tweeted the best of Mehdi Hasan. Saadia gardezi has compiled them and posted here for our readers. Let us celebrate Mehdi Hasan’s great legacy!

Pyar bharey do sharmiley nain (Chahat, 1974)

Thehra hae sama (Amber, 1978)

Kabhi main sochta houn (Aina, 1977)

Terey bheegay badan ki khushboo (Sharafat, 1975)

Rafta rafta wo meri hasti ka samaan (Zeenat, 1975)

Zindagi main to sabhi pyar kiya kartay hain (Azmat, 1973)

Aik baar chaley Aao (Aik Raat, 1972)

Ranjish hi sahi (Mohabbat, 1972)

Raqs Zanjeer pehan kar bhi (Zerqa, 1969)  lyrics by Habeeb Jalib

Jab koi pyaar say bulaye ga (Zindagi kitni haseen hae, 1969)

Bohat yaad ayen ge wo din (Aneela, 1969)

Iq sitam aur meri jaan (Saiqa, 1968)

Baat Karni mujhey mushkil (‘Shareek-e-Hayat 1968)

Mohabat karney waley Kam na hongay, teri mehfil may lekin hum na hongay (A very young Mehdi Hassan)

Humsay badal gaya wo nigahen (Dil-e-betaab)

Mujhey Tum nazar say (Doraha, 1967)

Dil Diya Dard Liya (Lakhon main Aik, 1967)

Meray Dil kay taar (Payal Ki jhankar, 1966)

Khudawanda Yeh kaisi aag si Jalti hae (Lori, 1966)

Gulon may rang bharey, (Farangi, 1964)

(List thanks to Fifi Haroon)