Credited for popularising ghazals to a worldwide audience, Ustad Mehdi Hassan is often referred to as the ‘Shahenshah-e-Ghazal’ (Emperor of Ghazal). “He was not only an extraordinary musician and singer known for his unique melodic patterns and maintaining integrity of the ragas in an innovative way,” says Dr Dipesh Kumar Vishnawat.
“Khan Sahab possessed a unique ability to remain rooted in the same Raga throughout an entire Ghazal, transforming it from a mere composition into an intricate Khayal. This rare quality is something I have yet to witness in any other singer,” says Dr Dipesh Kumar Vishnawat, author of the book ‘Messiah of Ghazal singing: Ustad Mehdi Hassan’
Speaking about the great singer’s early days, Dr Dipesh Kumar Vishnawat recalls that Ustad Mehdi Hassan was naturally inclined towards music from a young age. He influenced generations of singers from diverse genres, from Jagjit Singh to Parvez Mehdi. He earned numerous awards and accolades during his lifetime and it is estimated that Hassan sang for over 300 films during his career.
While Dr Dipesh’s previous book ‘Era man of folk singing: Kaluram Bikharnia’ was related to folk bhajans on Kaluram ji Bikharaniya who was original in his folk bhajan singing in Rajasthan and has attained such popularity, that today almost all the folk bhajan singers copy his style. He attained such revered status in his hometown that his memorial and life-size statue has been installed in three and a half bigha in Bikharniya Kalan, Rajasthan.
During his earlier days Dr Dipesh Kumar Vishnawat was presented the Youth Ghazal Singer Award 2012 by world renowned Tabla player and Ghazal singer Ustad Tari Khan and he was also the winner of Sufi Award in 2013 that was presented by the world famous Wadali Brothers Ustad Puran Chand ji. He also performed in the presence of Tabla Nawaz Ustad Tari Khan Sahab, and then another in the presence of Ghazal singer A. Hariharan.
Dr Dipesh Kumar Vishnawat speaks exclusively to Paresh B. Mehta, Editor of Filmytown.com regarding the launch of English version of ‘Messiah of Ghazal singing: Ustad Mehdi Hassan’:
What was the response to your Hindi book ‘Messiah of Ghazal singing: Ustad Mehdi Hassan’?
The response has been overwhelming—not just from music lovers, but from the general audience as well. I am truly delighted to have accomplished this on behalf of my godfather, Khansaab.
What made you decide to come out with the English version of ‘Messiah of Ghazal singing: Ustad Mehdi Hassan’?
Altaf Manjibhai, a resident of Canada and a devoted admirer of Mehdi Hassan Khansaab, having spent significant time with Khansaab as a close friend, he inspired me to translate this book into English. He suggested that an English version would allow a broader audience worldwide to access Khansaab’s biography, enabling more people to learn about and benefit from his remarkable life and legacy.
How much of influence does Ustad Mehdi Hassan have in your professional career?
I was inspired to start learning music after hearing Khansaab’s mellifluous voice, which feels like it’s dipped in honey and soothes both the ears and the soul. My entire life revolves around his singing, and if I can imbibe even 5-10% of his qualities, I will consider myself deeply blessed and grateful to God.
Did you have opportunity to personally meet Ustad Mehdi Hassan?
I was thrilled at the prospect of meeting him in 2011 and had made so many plans in mind for that moment. However, unfortunately, I couldn’t fulfill them as I was unable to get a visa.Though I was lucky enough to have telephonic conversation with him.
What particular habit or trait of Ustad Mehdi Hassan has been revealed in your book?
Khan Sahab possessed a unique ability to remain rooted in the same Raga throughout an entire Ghazal, transforming it from a mere composition into an intricate Khayal. This rare quality is something I have yet to witness in any other singer.
Could you mention a few instances of Ustad Mehdi Hassan that most of his fans are unaware of?
Khan sahab’s passion, devotion, and dedication to music teach us the importance of staying focused and persevering, even in unfavorable circumstances. His family was based in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan but at the time of partition they had to move to Pakistan leaving behind all his belongings and hard earned money and reputation. While it is impossible for someone like me to fully capture or describe his remarkable personality, he was not only an extraordinary musician and singer but also an exceptional human being.
When and where would be the launch of English version of your book ‘Messiah of Ghazal singing: Ustad Mehdi Hassan’?
The English version of the book would be launched in Canada by Ustad Tari Khan Sahib, who played tabla alongside Ustad Mehdi Hassan Khan Sahib. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Anita Gupta for her generous effort and helping me to convert my Hindi version into English. We shall launch the English version very soon.
