Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan, 90, died of cardiac arrest at Varanasi’s Heritage Hospital early on Monday morning. A day’s State mourning has been declared in Uttar Pradesh and the national flag flew at half-mast. All government offices and schools and colleges in the State remained closed on Monday as a mark of respect to the maestro.
Thousands paid homage to ustad at Benia Bagh Park. UP governor T.V. Rajeswar, Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, several ministers and other political leaders visited Varanasi to pay homage to Ustad Bismillah Khan. The ustad, who had been ailing for quite some time, was hospitalised on August 17 with age-related problems. He suffered a cardiac arrest at 1.45 am. Although he was put on the life-support system, doctors could not revive him. He was declared dead at 2.20 am on Monday.
Ustad Bismillah Khan had a keen desire to perform at India Gate in New Delhi. A recipient of the prestigious Bharat Ratna in 2001, Ustad Bismillah Khan had turned 90 in March this year, but he had refused to celebrate his birthday as a mark of protest against the Varanasi bomb blasts.
He was known for his secular leanings and had more friends in other communities than in his own. He was deeply attached to Varanasi and refused to leave the city even for treatment. He enthralled audiences at performances across the globe. He was conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Tansen Award and the Padma Vibhushan. He was also awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour. He was also conferred honorary doctorates by Benares Hindu University and Santiniketan.
Despite his fame, Bismillah Khan he led a simple life till his death. He always used the cycle rickshaw as his chief mode of transport which is an example of his simplicity. Born on March 21, 1916 in Bihar, the ustad’s ancestors were court musicians in the princely state of Dumraon.
Ustad Bismillah Khan gave a soul-stirring shehnai recital and poured his heart out into Raga Kafi from Red Fort on the eve of India’s first Republic Day ceremony. He also has the honor of performing in Indian Parliament. He was one of those rare
artistes who believed that musicians were supposed to be heard, and not seen. His Jugalbandi performnaces are one of the unforgetable moments for most of the people in India.
I would not say that Ustad’s demise has brought an end to Shehnai legacy in the country because there are lot of talented artists in India who can play this instrument but I am sure that it will really difficult for Indians to find one person who can match up with Bismillah Khan and continue his legacy and represent India and carry forward this culture.
