One would have thought that our TV channels would run a series of special programmes on the life and works of the iconic singer Mehdi Hassan after he passed away on June 13.

Not to be.

There is no doubt that he was Pakistan’s foremost film playback singer and perhaps the greatest ghazal singer ever. Our television networks were alert enough to break the news of his death and cover his funeral, but till the filing of this news item no show highlighting his achievements had been aired.

Speaking of the funeral, there were hardly a dozen people from the artiste community who attended it. In fact, barring one or two, no musician of repute turned up. Does that surprise anyone? Perhaps not. That’s the kind of people we are.