Bharat Ratna Shehnai Maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan, It is the 108th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan. The memories of Bismillah Khan are still present in the minds of the people of Kashi. The king of Shehnai, Bismillah Khan, had rejected the offer to stay in America saying that how would he bring the sound of the bells of the temples of Banaras and the Ganga to America.
Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, the king of Shehnai, has lived Banaras. Unified life by including Ganga-Jamuni Tehseeb. The Shehnai which was limited to auspicious programs, was brought to the world stage. Musician, singer and writer Padmashree Prof. who penned down aspects of the life of such a personality in the book “Bismillah Khan and Banaras: The Site of Banaras”. Rita Ganguly narrated five stories related to Ustad.
When America became a fan of Ustad’s Shehnai, the ambassador there offered Ustad to stay in America. In America itself he was asked to give everything that Bismillah Khan wanted. Then the maestro had asked, can you bring the sound of the bells of the temples of Banaras and the continuously flowing stream of Ganga. Then the ambassador said that this is not possible…. and thus Bismillah Khan chose Kashi over America.
Pro. Rita Ganguly took Ustad abroad (to Edinburgh Music Festival, England) for the first time. Then the master said in the plane, drop us here. It doesn’t seem right…, open the door for us to come down. Along with him were renowned artistes like Ustad Vilayat Khan, Pt. Kelucharan Mahapatra etc.
Prof. to give Goodwill Award to Ustad. Former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam had asked for some excerpts from Rita Ganguly’s book. When Prof. got information about receiving the Sadbhavna Award, Ganguly gave it to Bismillah Khan and he said that I should get this award, I don’t want it… this award.
Once when Rita Ganguly reached Ustad’s house, she saw that Ustad was sitting without a fan. Asked him- How do you live in such heat? Then he took me to the terrace and opened the window to show that a woman had tied a saree in a bamboo stick and had put her child to sleep and was working. The teacher said that when that child can grow up by living in this summer, why can’t I live there?
Ustads used to give 10 percent of their earnings to the poor. After playing Shehnai, he used to spend most of his time in prayer. He did not forget to offer namaz five times a day. When Muharram started, he did not go anywhere till the tenth Muharram. He remained engrossed in worship throughout Ramadan.
Ustad Bismillah Khan Foundation has organized a birth anniversary celebration of Ustad Bismillah at Dargah Fatman on Thursday from 11:30 am. Gulposhi, Qurankhwani, Duakhwani and Hanuman Chalisa will be recited at his tomb. Artists, public representatives, leaders and officials will arrive to present Aqidat.
Nasir Abbas Bismillah, grandson of Shehnai maestro late Ustad Bismillah Khan on letter to PM asking to join his nomination process: It’s our desire to join him. If we get an offer we’ll accept; regret we didn’t accept in 2014 as few Congressmen brainwashed our elders. pic.twitter.com/jNE4xfnJ7m
— ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2019
All about Bharat Ratna Shehnai Maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan
Ustad Bismillah Khan was a legendary Indian musician who is widely regarded as one of the finest shehnai players in the world. Born on March 21, 1916, in Dumraon, Bihar, India, Khan’s talent and dedication to his craft earned him international acclaim and numerous awards throughout his lifetime.
Khan popularized the shehnai, a traditional Indian wind instrument, and played a pivotal role in bringing it into the mainstream of classical music. He was known for his mastery of the instrument, his rich tone, and his ability to infuse emotion and spirituality into his performances.
One of the highlights of Khan’s career was his performance at the Red Fort in Delhi on the eve of India’s independence in 1947, which earned him widespread recognition and established him as a national icon. He went on to perform at various prestigious events and venues both in India and abroad, showcasing the beauty and versatility of the shehnai.
Throughout his lifetime, Ustad Bismillah Khan received numerous honors and awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 2001. He also received the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, among others, for his contributions to Indian classical music.
Ustad Bismillah Khan’s legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world. His recordings and performances remain cherished treasures, showcasing his unparalleled talent and profound devotion to his art. He passed away on August 21, 2006, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest musicians in Indian classical music history.
The Government of India declared a day of national mourning on his death. His body along with a Shehnai was buried at Fatemaan burial ground of old Varanasi under a neem tree with a 21-gun salute from the Indian Army