Azam Khan leaves for Singapore for better treatment

14 July 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

Azam Khan, the Pop Guru suffering from oral cancer, leaves his residence yesterday to fly to Singapore hoping for better treatment.Photo: STAR

Sixty-one-year old pop legend and freedom fighter Azam Khan who had been suffering from oral cancer left for Singapore yesterday for better treatment. He expects to return soon to the captivating world of music and mesmerise his fans and audience once again. Azam Khan reached Hazrat Shahjalal (R) International Airport at 10:55am. Travellers, onlookers and the security guards in front of gate-1 at Terminal-1 started buzzing as the pop guru stepped out of the sports utility vehicle (SUV). Clad in a blue t-shirt and grey trousers, the singer and composer showed no telltale signs of aliment as he waved smilingly towards the throng of excited fans surrounding him. With granddaughter Fairuz in his lap, Azam spared a few minutes to talk to the journalists and fans. "I never wanted to talk about my problem. But now, I feel overwhelmed with the love showered by my children, friends, relatives, fans and media organisations," he said. "Pray for me so that I can return safely to my country and start working again," Azam said. He has ongoing recording of two albums, he told The Daily Star, adding, "I hope to release my albums by Eid-ul-Fitr." Azam's son Ridoy Khan and Cool Exposure Executive Director Ershadul Haque Tinku also accompanied him on his journey. His flight left around 1:00pm. As he was talking to the newsmen, many people in the terminal gathered to see the imaginative composer and the security guards were seen whistling to lessen the gathering. Azam Khan, who inspired people to fight against the Pakistani regime with his music, said the thing he wanted most was to see his countrymen living with their heads held high. Expressing his gratitude, he said, "I am 61 and I have nothing to take from the world. Now it's my time to give back something good to my country," he said. Family members and well wishers were also present during his departure. Azam Khan will be treated in Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several media agencies provided financial assistance for his treatment.