KARACHI, March 23: Top artistes and singers on Friday expressed their shock and grief over the death of renowned music director Nisar Bazmi who died on Thursday.Famous singer Fareeda Khanum said Mr Bazmi was one of the original talents in the field who gave fame and respect to the Pakistani film industry.

Film actor Ghulam Mohiyuddin, who played lead in many Pakistani films with music score created by late Bazmi, said he was one of the few great music directors who never compromised on his creation.

“He never opted for piracy and remained stick to his original talent,” Mr Mohiyuddin told Dawn.

“And the reason he opted to stay away from the industry was the same. He would be asked to copy the famous songs of India, which he refused and left Lahore for good,” he said.

Mr Mohiyuddin said late Bazmi had already earned fame in India when he migrated to Pakistan. “He had become a famous and busy music composer in India and still people in the Indian industry reminisce him and his art,” he said.

Renowned artist Talat Hussain said Pakistani music had lost a great patron given the fact that he was one of the top music directors the country had produced.“Though, he was no longer in the profession, but his existence was a huge asset for the budding and young composers. We all have suffered a great loss,” said Mr Hussain.

Arts Council’s office-bearers also condoled Mr Bazmi’s death and said he was the one who remained stick to his principles and was beacon of light for young talent.

In a statement issued, Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain expressed sorrow and grief over late Bazmi’s demise and observed that his death had created a vacuum in the music scene of Pakistan. He said the country and the nation would always remember his services.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan also expressed his heart-felt sorrow over the demise of prominent musician. In a statement, he said late Bazmi’s services in the field of music were an asset for the country.