Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan died of cardiac arrest on Monday at the age of 91. Bismillah Khan leaves behind a rich legacy of shehnai recital, which remains unparalleled in the annals of Indian classical music. During his long and fruitful career as an artiste, Khan enthralled audiences at performances across the globe. He was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi award, the Tansen award, the Padma Vibhushan and also the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.
Despite his fame, Khan’s lifestyle retained its old world charm and he continued to use the cycle rickshaw as his chief mode of transport till his death.
“He was the undisputed jewel in the crown of Indian music; one who will not be born in the next few centuries. He gave a new meaning to shehnai,” –Ranjana Srivastava, Dean, Faculty of Performing Arts, Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
“He was the undisputed jewel in the crown of Indian music; one who will not be born in the next few centuries. He gave a new meaning to shehnai,” –Ranjana Srivastava, Dean, Faculty of Performing Arts, Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Watch greatest Shenai player of our time, Bismillah Khan
Source: ibnlive, YouTube
May his soul rest in peace.
He was the best.
Glad you mentioned it on your site .. May his soul rest in peace .. He was a greatest artist ..
It surely is a big loss for India and it’s classical music.
he has really shown how life can be lead in a simple way inspite of being in a limelight. he is the true Indian
may his soul rest in peace, i hope people dont foret him and his music remain for ever
i remember i was 5 years old when i first heard his shennai on a tape-recorder….playing that tape was a common ritual for any festivals or functions (especially marriages) ….we shud always remember him and his great works….may thousands of bismillah’s adorn this world…. and thanks admin for u r beautiful site.
Bismillah khan was sure one of the music maestros of India who will be equally remembered by the younger generation. Thanks to his efforts and Spic-Macay like organizations that brought the younger generation closer to talented yet simple people like Bismillah Khan.
Praiseworthy efforts by the admin of this site as well!