Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] today condoled the death of veteran music composer Naushad Ali, saying, "An era of melody and virtuosity has come to an end."

Say farewell to Naushad

"Despite being an uncompromising stickler for the grammar of classical music, Naushad also had an amazing grasp of the popular mood," Singh said. "As a pioneer of various musical trends and mentor of numerous prodigies, Naushad has virtually shaped the broad contours of film music in the country," he added, saying that generations of music lovers would continue to enjoy his soulful and haunting melodies for years to come.

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