Mehdi Hassan's early years were marked with struggle: working as a cycle repair mechanic by day, he spent his evenings practicing ragas and perfecting his craft. His fortunes turned when he got a chance to sing on Radio Pakistan, and singing opportunities for the young baritone started to pour in. It was then that Hassan began experimenting with ghazals and Sufi music, committing himself to the interpretation of Urdu poetry at the highest standard. His work has influenced Ghulam Ali and Jagjit Singh, and even after his passing, Hassan continues to reign as the king of the ghazal.