Mehdi Hassan was born in the village of Luna in Rajasthan, India in 1927 into a family of rich traditional musicians. He claims to be the 16th generation of hereditary musicians hailing from the Kalawant. Kala means "Art" and Kalawant means "artist" (in any Indian language).
Mehdi Hassan received his musical training and grooming under his father, Ustad Azeem Khan and his uncle Ustad Ismail Khan who were classical musicians, well-versed in dhrupad singing. They instructed him in classical music and voice production within the framework of classical forms of thumri, dhrupad, khayal and dadra, from the young age of eight. After the Partition of India, 20 year-old Mehdi Hassan and his family migrated to Pakistan and suffered severe financial hardships. To make ends meet, Mehdi Hassan began working in a bicycle shop and later became a car and diesel tractor mechanic. Despite the hardships, his passion for music didn't wither and he kept up the routine of practice on a daily basis.
Mehdi Hassan (Collection 2)
Aankhon Se Mili Aankhen
Ae Roshniyon Ke Sheher Bata
Agar Tum Haseen Na Hote
Dil Diya Dard Liya
Dil-e-Viraan Teri Yaad
Duniya Kisi Ke Pyar Mein
Ek Naye Mod Pe Le Aauen
Ek Sitam Aur Meri
Hum Se Badal Gaya Woh
Jab Koi Pyar Se
Mein Bhi Deewana Mujhe Na
Mehfil To Ajnabi
Mere Dil Ke Taar Baje Baar
Mujhe Tum Nazar Se
Nazaaron Ne Bhari Aahen
Qissa-e-Gham Mein
Saamne Aa Ke Tujh
Tark-e-Ulfat Ka Sila
Yeh Kagazi Phool
Zulf Ko Teri Ghataaon Ka