LAHORE, March 27: A melodious evening was organised at Alhamra Art Centre, The Mall, on Wednesday in the honour of celebrated ghazal singer Farida Khanum.

The evening was a tribute to the renowned ghazal singer by Lahore Arts Council for her contribution to ghazal singing.

On behalf of the Lahore Arts Council, Dawn Chief Executive Officer Hameed Haroon gave away Alhamra Excellence Award of 2013 and a cheque for Rs500,000 to Farida Khanum.

The evening was also attended by Caretaker Chief Minister Najam Aziz Sethi and his wife, Jugnu Mohsin. Mr Sethi presented a bouquet to the singer. He spoke highly of her, saying that Fareeda Khanum had won many hearts through her fabulous singing.

The evening was conducted by Karachi-based music composer and actor Arshad Mehmood. The stage was elegantly decorated with flowers and a beautiful portrait of singer.

She said she first tried her luck in films but did not find it of any interest because of long hectic shooting spells. Later she moved to ghazal singing and started her career from Radio Pakistan.

She said that people had given her a lot of respect and love and she was thankful to them.

Yore years playback singer Ghulam Abbas also performed on the occasion and began his performance with a ghazal sung by Farida Khanum “Dono jahan teri muhabt mein haar kay”. Among other ghazals, he also sang “Me ne roka bhi nahi, aur wo tehera bhi nahi”.

Senator Parveiz Rasheed’s daughter Beenish Pervaiz also sang two ghazals on the occasion.

Ustad Fateh Ali Khan Hyderabadi presented Khayal and Thumri.

Famous ghazals and songs by Farida Khanum were also screened on the occasion.