India, Oct. 24 -- Veteran ghazal singer and actor Talat Aziz lost treasured possessions, paintings, musical instruments and other belongings in a fire that broke out at his home on October 2. The blaze gutted the ground floor and parts of the first floor, leaving Aziz and his family hospitalised and facing significant losses.

Now staying at a friend's apartment, Aziz says the family has begun restoration work and hopes to return home early next year. "Restoration has already begun. Hopefully, by January or February, we hope to move back into our own home. The family has been coping bravely. My wife, Bina Aziz, is a very strong person, and both my sons have also been strong," he says.

Aziz adds that a close friend living abroad has offer...