31 Mar :Shahenshah-e-Ghazal Mehdi Hassan, facing financial constraints during his critical illness and living a secluded life at a hospital in Karachi, wishes to visit India, his country of birth and not many know that he has been offered help by none other than Lata Mangeshkar.
"He had been in India almost three years back. He wishes to visit India again. One organisation in Mumbai had arranged a felicitation programme for him but that has been postponed after Mumbai terror attack. We are waiting for better atmosphere across the border so that we can take him there," his son Arif said.
Hassan, confined in a room in Karachi’s Aga Khan University hospital, is suffering from lung infection, fever and weakness. Born in Rajasthan, the 82-year-old artiste had completely departed from music in late 90s after the paralytic stroke.
He will be discharged soon as his family is finding it hard to pay medical bills. He will need 24 hours care at home as well.
"We have already spent 10-12 lakh on hospital bills in last two months. He will be discharged soon but we need round the clock care for him at home which is very costly. I have urged Pakistan Government to help. We can not afford this treatment on our own," Arif, who arranges stage shows, said.