Rs 7.02 million collected for Mehdi Hasan at musical evening: Jagjit enthrals Karachiites

An enthusiastic gathering of some 3,000 music lovers lustily cheered and applauded the Indian maestro Jagjit Singh on his rendering of Ghazals at a gala musical evening organised by the Pakistan International Airlines at the Mohatta Palace lawns here on Tuesday evening.
Set against the majestic backdrop of gloriously-lit Mohatta Palace, the musical evening started off on a punctual note, thanks to the Chairman, Pakistan International Airlines, Ahmed Sayeed.
The minarets of Mohatta Palace were subtly lit, casting an iridescent lumination on the terracotta facade of the Palace.
The louvered windows, overlooking the balconies, added to the old world charm being exuded and transported one into the centuries past.
Amidst this magnificent setting, the 2000 plus audience was treated to the musical voice of maestro Jagjit Singh.
The evening was basically organised "to share the excitement of the airline on the move." The seating capacity of approximately 1,000 was occupied by about 7.30 pm and the guests were treated to a sumptuous feast at exactly 8 pm. The programme started at 9 pm.
Besides Jagjit, Pakistan's Farida Khanum also entertained the audience with her rendering of Ghazals. The high point came when Jagjit announced raising of funds for the treatment of ailing Pakistani Ghazal maestro Mehdi Hasan.
Jagjit paid glowing tributes to the contribution of Mehdi Hasan towards the development and musical rendering of Ghazal genre. He said it all started about 40 years ago with him (Mehdi Hasan).
Jagjit said: "We must not only support Mehdi Hasan, but all the artistes who are pride of the nations should contribute towards bringing love and amity among the people and nations," he said.
Since charity begins at home, Jagjit announced a donation of 5,000 dollars towards the fund to help Mehdi Hasan in meeting the expenses of his treatment. Further to this, he announced that 50 percent of the income from his biography would go to this fund. Each book costs Rs 3,000.
Others who contributed to this fund were the Governor of Sindh, Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan: one million rupees; and PIA Chairman: Rs 30,000. He also announced another Rs 30,000 from his personal purse.
Till the point Jagjit remained on the stage (1.30 am), a total of Rs 7.02 million had come to this fund.
The PIA's "excitement" was thus rewarded in a befitting manner and a noble cause to help an ailing maestro was well reciprocated and ended on a happy note. And the people responded : " Well done, PIA. Keep it up."