Mehdi Hassan is no stranger to music lovers of the Indian sub-continent. His golden voice has amused generations from the last four decades. Presently, Hassan is gravely sick, paralyzed and unable to speak. However, he continues to speak to his fans through the hundreds of ghazals and songs he has sung during his career. In honor of this musical artist, the Miracle Media Group’s newly founded Talent Hunt Division arranged a musical night ‘Sham-e-Ghazal’ at Pakistan House on October 31. The purpose of this event was two-folded- to present a tribute to Mehdi Hassan and to introduce local gems with beautiful voices to the general public.
The concept of this event came alive, thanks to the advisory committee consisting of Mr. Mohammad Rafiq, Mr. Mohammad Afzal Malik, Mr. Hamza Malik and Mr. Zarar Butt. With their support and guidance, Mr. Mohammad Pirzada, the Managing Editor of the Miracle was able to recruit local talent from the community and organize a sensational singing competition. After serving a sumptuous dinner, the evening began with the unveiling of a beautiful poster providing the backdrop for all the performances. Maulana Naumani was especially invited to the stage to make dua for the health of Mehdi Hassan and everyone suffering from an ailment or illness. The event was presided by Pakistani Consul General Mr. Moin-ul-Haq and his wife, Mrs. Farah Moin.
MLA Jagrup Barar, an avid ghazal lover, was also in the audience. He gave a beautiful singing performance, surprising many with his hidden talent. A special appreciation award was presented to him by Mr. Moin-ul- Haq.
The singing competition was then divided into two sections – singers accompanied with harmonium and tabla music and singers on karaoke. Six talented singers performed Mehdi Hassan songs while experienced musicians Mr. Hassan Rasool, Dr. Asifa Mehar Ali, Mr. Balraj Basi (harmonium) and Mr. Mustafa Lalani (tabla) provided musical support to them. The competition was tough as all singers gave one knock-out performance after another, everyone singing Pakistani songs. Each of the musicians also entertained the audience with their own solo items.
Mr. Basi, Mr. Rasool, and Dr. Asifa also served as judges along with Mrs. Fareena Pannu, Mr. Shamim Akbar, and Mr. Afzal Malik.
On karaoke, Mr. Safean Khan took home the first prize while Mr. Waqar Ali secured second place.
The competition amongst the contestants from harmonium category heated up as the top 3 were selected and invited to battle it out on the stage one more time. At the end, Mr. Hassan M. Zaidi was declared the first place winner, while Mr. Riaz Kalsi and Mr. Umair Ahmed took home second and third prizes respectively. In appreciation of the youth talent, Miracle awards were also given to Mr. Noman Ahmed for fourth, Mr. Qudrat Afghan for fifth and Mr. Sohail Ahmed for sixth positions.
 The chief guests of the evening were then invited on the stage to share their thoughts about the competition. Mr. Moin-ul-Haq admitted the competition brought back nostalgic memories as he listened to Mehdi Hassan’s ghazals being sung. It is unfortunate that the music industry does not produce such gems any more. He also mentioned that his expectations were blown away by the talent displayed at the competition and he hopes that such events will be arranged more often. Mrs. Moin also agreed that she was impressed by the singers, particularly the ones from the younger generation who beautifully sang Mehdi Hassan songs.
Following the awards for singing, the musicians and judges received appreciation awads, and a special spectator award was given to Mr. Intikhab Ahmed for his enthusiasm throughout the evening. Doors prizes were then given out to audience members, which included dinner coupons from Al-Watan Restaurant, Sofi’s Donair and Barney’s Pizza. Mr. Mohammad Rafiq then thanked everyone for attending the event. The audience requested the musicians to stay after the competition and perform more songs to which they gladly agreed.
On special public demand, Omair Ahmed was invited back to the stage where he sung three beautiful ghazals. He gladly took home the backdrop poster of Mehdi Hassan as the best Youth talent Award winner. He was given a standing ovation and cheered by everyone in the audience for his overall performance.
The musical extravaganza continued well into the night and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The Miracle media group would like to thank all its sponsors for their support including: Calgary Sweets, Al Madina Restaurant, Afghan Chopan Restaurant, Gulberg Fine Cuisine,Lahore Halal Meat, Pak Punjab Samoosa, A 2 Z Mortgages, SKYNET Fido Exc, Gulberg Market & Donairs, Sashay Day SPA, Diamond Carpets, Save on Tiles, Galaxy Travel Ltd., Gaba Travel Ltd, Pak National Foods, Pak Can Motors, Ideal Pest Control, Jaji Driving School, E. Shop (Jadoo Tv), Basharat Ch. Realtor (Sutton), Moon Traders Ltd., Instant Copy & Print, Imran Alvi Realtor (SRS), Master Signs, Al Watan Restaurant, Sofi’s Donair & Restaurant, and Barney’s Pizza.
A special thanks goes out to the Miracle team, and all volunteers, especially Mr. Afzal Malik whose organizational skills and hard work made this event a success.