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All You Need To Know About Ustad Bismillah Khan, The Shehnai Maestro

One of the finest musicians in the world, ustad bismillah khan played to audiences across the globe..

Shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan with his grandchildren

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Shehnai Maestro Bismillah Khan’s biography: Early life, career, achievements, legacy, and more

Today marks the birthday of the legendary classical musician ustad bismillah khan: get to know about his early life, how he started his career as a musician and more..

Originally known as Qamruddin Khan, Bismillah Khan was born on 21st March 1916 in Dumraon, Bihar and Orissa province, British India. He was a classical musician who played shehnai, a ceremonial oboelike North Indian horn with such expressive inventiveness that he became a prominent Indian classical music artist. In this article, you will get to know about his early life, education, career, awards and recognition, and more. So without further ado, let’s get started. 

My tribute to the great Indian Shehnai Maestro "Bharat Ratna" Ustad Bismillah Khan Ji on his birthday. pic.twitter.com/sxetC6ykfb — Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) March 21, 2015

Bismillah Khan Biography

Bismillah khan: early life .

Born as the second son to Paigambar Khan and Mitthan, Bismillah Khan was earlier named Qamaruddin so that his name would sound similar to the name of his elder brother, Shamsuddin. However, when his grandfather, Rasool Baksh Khan held him as a baby, he uttered the word "Bismillah" and hence came to be known as Bismillah Khan. 

Khan’s family ancestors were musicians in the court of the princely states of Bhojpur and his father was a Shehnai player in the court of Maharaja Keshav Prasad Singh. Being born into a family of musicians, Bismillah Khan started developing a knack for music during his childhood. Growing up watching his father play shehnai, he decided to follow in his footsteps. 

Bismillah Khan: Career 

The honor of playing on the eve of india’s independence , bismillah khan: personal life and family, bismillah khan: cinema performances , bismillah khan: awards and recognition , bismillah khan: a living example of religious harmony .

Although Khan was a Shia Muslim, he worshiped the goddess Saraswati and performed at both  Hindu and Muslim ceremonies. There’s also a story that narrates Khan’s interaction with Lord Krishna himself. It starts on his train journey from Jamshedpur to Varanasi where he was going to perform in a religious concert. During his journey, he came across a young boy with a dark complexion, holding a flute in his hand. The boy was playing the ‘raaga’ that Ustad couldn’t recognize. He asked the boy to play the same tune repeatedly. 

Bismillah Khan: Legacy 

Ustad Bismillah Khan was one of the most legendary classical musicians to popularize shehnai in Indian classical music. He invented new raagas and patterns that made a significant impact on musicians. Although he didn’t accept many students as his disciples that could have carried his legacy, he made such an everlasting impact on music that he became unforgettable. 

In his honor, Sangeet Natak Akademi came up with a new award called ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’ which is awarded to young performers who bring a new perspective to the field of music, dance, and theatre. 

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Bismillah Khan

Ustad Bismillah Khan was a great Indian shehnai maestro of Benares and awarded with the Bharat Ratna in the year 2001 being the third classical musician. Bharat Ratna is the uppermost national honour in India. He got the fame worldwide for performing the shehnai more than eight decades.

Biography of Bismillah Khan

Birth history and background

He was born in the bihari Muslim family at the Bhirung Raut Ki Galim, Dumraon, Bihar at 21st March in 1916. He was the second son of the Paigambar Khan and Mitthan, named as Qamaruddin in order to rhyme with his brother Shamsuddin. It is considered that his grandfather, Rasool Baksh Khan called him as a Bismillah after caring him as a newborn. It is considered that the predecessors of the Bismillah Khan were court musicians and they accustomed to perform in the Naqqar khana at the princely states of Bhojpur (Currently Bihar). Bismillah Khan’s father was used to performing shehnai at the Maharaja Keshav Prasad Singh court of the Dumraon Estate, Bihar.

It is believed that when he was just six, he went to the Varanasi and completed his training under the guidance of his uncle, the Ali Baksh Vilayatu. His uncle was playing shehnai at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

Religious history

He was the great follower of the Saraswati (the Hindu Goddess of wisdom and arts) even he was from Muslim religion. He was also fan of the many Indian musicians and played shehnai at the Hindu temples including the renowned Vishwanath Temple at the banks of the river Gange in Varanasi. He had performed for divine master the Prem Rawat.

Career history of Bismillah Khan

Perhaps he was the only one performing the shehnai (a famous classical instrument) single-handedly. In the All India Music Conference Calcutta in 1937; he gave shehnai the center stage of Indian music. He was one of the best musicians in the Indian classical music and he is renowned for his monopoly over the shehnai and Hindu-Muslim unity. In his whole life he had played shehnai to his audiences all across the world and spread the message of peace and love through his music. He was fully dedicated to his art and even it is also considered that he referred his shehnai as his begum after the death of his wife. On his death, shehnai was also buried with his body.

His performances at the Red Fort in Delhi

Bismillah Khan had won the rarest rare honor of performing at the Red Fort in Delhi on the evening of the Independence Day of India in 1947. He also had performed the raga Kafi at the eve of first Republic Day ritual on 26 January in 1950 from the Red Fort. This performance of him is added as a cultural part of the Independence Day celebrations of India and his show is telecast every year on the 15th August on Doordarshan channel. Doordarshan channel broadcast the live performance of shehnai maestro just after the prime minister’s speech at Lal Qila in Old Delhi. This custom is followed from the period of Pandit Nehru.

Filmy history

Bismillah Khan had a brief history in the Indian movies. He has played his shehnai for the role of Rajkumar in the Kannada movie Sanaadi Appanna. He acted in Jalsaghar (a movie by Satyajit Ray) and played shehnai in Goonj Uthi Shehnai in 1959. Film director the Goutam Ghose has directed the Sange Meel Se Mulaqat upon the life of Bismillah Khan.

His Student life

He rarely accepted students. He met with the Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji (present master of Namdhari Sikhs) and saw the very brilliant youngster, Baljit Singh Namdhari, playing the tarshenai. Bismillah Khan welcomed Baljit Singh Namdhari as a student. He accepted two more students, Kirpal Singh and Gurbaksh Singh Namdhari playing tarshenai in 1999. His another student is Usthad Hassan Bhai (at present in Kasaragod).

His personal life history

He got illness on 17th August of 2006 and admitted to the Heritage Hospital, Lanka Varanasi for his treatment. He died just after the four days of his admission into the hospital on 21st August of 2006 due to the chronic cardiac arrest. He left behind him a big family of five sons, three daughters and a large number of grandchildren.

The Government of India has declared his death day, a day of national mourning. His body was buried together with his begum, Shehnai at the Fatemain burial ground in the Varanasi beneath the neem tree. His body was buried with the 21-gun salute from the Indian Army.

Ustad Bismillah Khan got the Yuva Puraskar (for young artists in the field of music, theatre and dance) in the year 2007 in his honour.

Awards and Recognitions

• Awarded with the Bharat Ratna in 2001.
• Become fellow of Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1994.
• Got Talar Mausiquee from Republic of Iran in 1992.
• Awarded with the Padma Vibhushan in 1980.
• Awarded with the Padma Bhushan in 1968.
• Awarded with the Padma Shri in 1961.
• Got Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1956.
• Got Tansen Award by the Government of Madhya Pradesh.
• Got three medals in the All India Music Conference in Calcutta in 1937.
• Got the Honour of Best Performer in All India Music Conference in the Allahabad in 1930.
• Bismillah Khan had honorary doctorates from Banaras Hindu University , Visva Bharati University and Santiniketan.
• He was requested to come to play shehnai at the first Independence on 15th August, 1947 in Delhi Red Fort by the Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
• He had participated in the World exhibition in Montreal.
• He had participated in the Cannes Art Festival.
• He had participated in Osaka Trade Fair.
• He got his 80th birthday celebrated by the World Music Institute in the New York.

Frequently Asked Questions on Ustad Bismillah Khan

Ans. Ustad Bismillah Khan can teach us two very important lessons about life: dedication and being honest about your work.

Ans. Bismillah Khan was a symbol of how India’s different religions could work together. He was a very religious Muslim, but used to play during the morning Aarti at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. He also played at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, a holy place for the Sikh people.

Ans. On August 21, 2006, he had a heart attack and died.

Ans. Bismillah Khan received Bharat Ratna because with his concerts, he kept classical music alive. He was a strong supporter of Hindu-Muslim unity, and he used his songs to spread the idea of brotherhood.

Ans. Bismillah Khan was born in Dumraon, Bihar, on March 21, 1916.  Khan spent his whole life playing the shehnai with all his heart. Khan is known for having a simple life. He had won the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and Bharat Ratna.

Ans. Bismillah Khan has a lot of love for India and Banaras. He says that when he goes abroad, he misses the holy Ganga and India.

Ans. He loved India so much that he never wanted to live anywhere else. So, whenever he was in a different country, he always wished to go to Hindustan.

Ans. Bismillah Khan got the Padma Shri for his work in Indian traditional music in 1961. He also won the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and the Bharat Ratna in 2001.

Ans. Bismillah Khan used to sing the Bhojpuri song “chaita” when he was five years old in the Bihariji temple in his home town of Dumraon, Bihar. At the end of the song, the local Maharaja gave him a big laddu that weighed 1.25 kg as a reward.

Ans. The moving water of the River Ganga gave him ideas for making up new “ragas” that were thought to be out of the shehnai’s range at the time.

Ans. Bismillah Khan turned down a request from one of his students to open a shehnai school in the U.S. because he did not want to leave Hindustan, especially Banaras, the Ganga, and Dumraon.

Ans. Bismillah Khan grew up on the banks of the Ganga River. He also learned to play the shehnai there. This is why he loved the Ganga River so much.

Ans. Bismillah Khan came from a musical family and hence took a keen interest in music. He teaches us a very important lesson about life. People get ahead in life through hard work and dedication.

Ans. Upon his first visit to Afghanistan, King Zahir Shah was overwhelmed by him that he awarded him with rare Persian carpets and other gifts.

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Ustad bismillah khan.

Domain: Performing arts

State: Uttar Pradesh

Description:

The video presents a shehnai performance by the eminent Hindustani classical musician Ustad Bismillah Khan. Ustad Bismillah Khan (1916-2006) is one of the most recognizable faces of Hindustani classical music. His attention to pitch, phrasing and the expert execution of meends , pukars , khatkas , murkis , zamzams , taans and gamaks on the shehnai transformed the instrument. Under Bismillah Khan the shehnai came out of its ceremonial context and began to be acknowledged as a classical music instrument. One of the highlights of his concert performances was the performance of passages where the shehnai took centre stage and all other accompaniments fell silent. The shehnai alone would explore musical intensity and emotion in full silence only to break it with a crescendo on the mukhda or the sam .

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• Bismillah Khan

Biography of Bismillah Khan For UPSC

Bismillah Khan, popularly known as ‘Ustad’ was an Indian musician who played a pivotal role in bringing a reed musical instrument, shehnai, to the classical stage of Indian music. He was one of the greatest exponents of Indian classical music and the third classical musician to receive the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour of the country.

Read about Ustad Bismillah Khan and his contribution to Indian classical music in the following article.

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Ustad Bismillah Khan- Download PDF Here

Early Life of Bismillah Khan

• Bismillah Khan was born on March 21, 1916, in Dumraon, Bihar, as the second son of Paigamar Khan and Mitthan. His ancestors were musicians in the court of the princely state of Bhojpur. His father was a musician in the court of Maharaja Keshav Prasad Singh of Dumraon.
• He got introduced to shehnai through his maternal uncle, Ali Baksh ‘Vilayatu’, who was the official shehnai player at the famous VishwanathTemple in Banaras. Noticing Bismillah Khan’s interest in music, Ali Baksh started tutoring him in lessons of shehnai. He accompanied Ali Baksh for his lengthy practice sessions in temple rooms at Balaji Ghat. His genuine enthusiasm got him involved in the world of music. He practised for long hours with his uncle and got familiarised with different forms of music and ragas.
• His long hours of dedicated practice sessions improvised his craft and talent. He played shehnai on the banks of the River Ganga at the Vishwanath Temple. Drawing inspiration from the flowing waters of Ganga, he invented ragas beyond the range of shehnai. He experimented with the music to make it more appealing. He was also a devotee of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom and arts.
• The first major musical concert that gained popularity was his performance at the All India Muslim Conference in 1937 in Kolkota. With the performance, shehnai, which was primarily used for ceremonies, was elevated to the level of a classical musical instrument.
• Bismillah Khan began his career by playing at various stage shows. He got his first break in 1937 when he played at a concert for the All India Music Conference in Calcutta. This performance brought shehnai into the limelight, and was largely accepted by music lovers.
• He gave concerts in many countries, including Afghanistan, the USA, Canada, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, West Africa, Japan, Hong Kong, and various parts of Europe.
• During his illustrious career, he played in many prominent events throughout the world. Some of the events where he played shehnai include the World Exposition in Montreal, the Cannes Art Festival, and the Osaka Trade Fair.

Association with Films

• Goonj Uthi Shehnai – The Hindi film ‘Goonj Uthi Shehnai’ had a shehnai recital by Bismillah Khan himself. Also studded with recitals from other famous musicians like Abdul Halim Jaffar Khan and Amir Khan, the movie went on to become a blockbuster. It had its music composed by Vasant Desai.
• Sanaadi Appanna – In 1977, the maestro from Varanasi flew to the Prasad Studios in Chennai to work on a Kannada film titled ‘Sanaadi Appanna’. He spent nine days there, along with his troupe, consisting of ten members. He had decided to work on the film as its lead character, played by Dr. Rajkumar, was a rural shehnai artiste. Bismillah Khan’s brilliance formed the determining part of the movie, where the music was composed by G. K. Venkatesh.
• Sange Meel Se Mulaqat – ‘SangeMeel Se Mulaqat’ is a documentary on Bismillah Khan’s life directed by Goutam Ghose. The film features the maestro himself, and gives a fair idea about his growth from a young shehnai player to one of India’s best.
• Ustad Bismillah Khan believed that music has no caste. He fostered Hindu-Muslim unity and tried to spread the message of brotherhood through his music.
• He received the honour of playing Shehnai on the eve of India’s Independence in 1947.
• He trained students with the thought that there was only little that he could share with his students. He believed that his skill is the result of blessings from Lord Shiva. His followers include S.Ballesh, a famous Shehnai player, and Krishna Ballesh. He also taught Shehnai to his sons, Nazim Hussain and Nayyar Hussain.

Later Years

• On 21 August 2006, he died of cardiac arrest at Heritage hospital in Varanasi.
• He received the highest Civilian Honour of the country, Bharat Ratna in 2001.
• The Government of Kerala presented him the Swathi Sangeetha Puraskaram in 1998.
• He was selected as a fellow of Sangeet Nataka Akademi in 1994.
• He received the second-highest civilian honour of the country, Padma Vibhushan in 1980, and the third-highest civilian honour in the country, Padma Bhushan, in 1968. He was awarded Padma Shri in 1961.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ustad Bismillah Khan

Why is Bismillah Khan called ‘Ustad’?

Bismilla Khan’s extraordinary talent and dedication to playing the musical instrument, shehnai, garnered worldwide recognition. This earned him the title ‘Ustad’ or maestro as he was the greatest exponent of shehnai during those times.

How did Ustad Bismilla Khan spread the message of religious harmony through his music?

Ustad Bismillah Khan Khan strongly believed that music has no boundaries, including religion. He fostered Hindu-Muslim unity through his music. Shehnai was predominantly used in temples, initially. He worshipped Lord Shiva.

What were the honours received by Ustad Bismilla Khan?

Ustad Bismillah Khan received the first, second, and third highest civilian honours of the country, for his extraordinary talent in playing shehnai. He received Bharat Ratna in 2001, Padma Vibhushan in 1980, and Padma Bhushan in 1968.

What was the source of inspiration for Ustad Bismilla Khan?

Ustad Bismillah Khan worked hard to master the art of playing shehnai. The flowing waters of Ganga were a source of inspiration for him to improvise his music.

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Shehnai Maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan: A Musical Legacy that Echoes Through Time

• Post author By Mala Chandrashekhar
• Post date September 15, 2022
• No Comments on Shehnai Maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan: A Musical Legacy that Echoes Through Time

Bismillah Khan  (born Qamaruddin Khan, 21 March 1916 – 21 August 2006), often referred to by the title Ustad, was an Indian musician credited with popularizing the  shehnai , a reeded wooden wind instrument.

While the shehnai had long held importance as a folk instrument played primarily schooled in traditional ceremonies, Khan is credited with elevating its status and bringing it to the concert stage.

He was awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the  Bharat Ratna , in 2001, becoming the third classical musician of India after  M. S. Subbalakshmi   and  Ravi Shankar  to be awarded the Bharat Ratna.

Personal life

Bismillah Khan was born on 21 March 1916 into a family of traditional Muslim musicians at the town of Dumraon British India, as the second son of Paigambar Bux Khan and Mitthanbai.

His father was a court musician employed in the court of Maharaja Keshav Prasad Singh of Dumraon Estate in Bihar. His two grandfathers Ustad Salar Hussain Khan and Rasool Bux Khan were also musicians in the Dumraon palace. 

He was named Qamruddin at birth, to rhyme with his elder brother’s name Shamsuddin. Upon seeing the newborn, his grandfather Rasool Baksh Khan, also a shehnai player, is said to have exclaimed “Bismillah”, or “In the name of Allah”, and thereafter he came to be known by this name.

At the age of six, he moved to Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh, to be apprenticed to his maternal uncle, Ali Bux ‘Vilayatu’ Khan, a Shehnai player attached to the  Kashi Vishwanath Temple . 

At the age of 14 Bismillah accompanied his uncle to the Allahabad music conference.

Khan attributed his skill to the blessings of Nath ( Shiva ), and believed that there was little that he could teach his disciples. Khan seldom accepted students.

He thought that if he would be able to share his knowledge it wouldn’t be useful as it would only give his students a little knowledge.

Some of his disciples and followers include  S. Ballesh , and Krishna Ballesh as well as Khan’s own sons,  Nazim Hussain  and Nayyar Hussain.

On 17 March 2006, Bismillah Khan’s health deteriorated, and he was admitted to the Heritage Hospital, Varanasi for treatment.

Khan’s last wish – to perform at  India Gate , could not be fulfilled. He wanted to pay tributes to the martyrs. He waited in vain till his last rites. He died of cardiac arrest on 21 August 2006.

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.

Street in Hyderabad, Telangana, named after Bismallah Khan which was inaugurated by Pandit  Hariprasad Chaurasia  and  K Viswanath  on 7 April 2013.

Sangeet Natak Akademi , New Delhi, instituted the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2007, in his honour. It is given to young artists in the field of music, theatre and dance.

The Government of Bihar has proposed setting up of a museum, a town hall-cum-library and installation of a life-size statue at his birthplace in Dumraon.

Bismillah Khan was commemorated on his 102nd birth anniversary by Search Engine Google which showed a special doodle on its Indian home page for him on 21 March 2018.

In the documentary film, Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars,  Clapton  cites Bismillah Khan as an influence and how he tried to use his guitar to imitate the music of Khan’s woodwind instrument.

Awards and recognitions

• Bharat Ratna  (2001)
• Swathi Sangeetha Puraskaram  (1998), Government of Kerala
• T Choudayya National Award (1995), Government of Karnataka
• Fellow of  Sangeet Natak Akademi  (1994)
• Tahar Mausique from Republic of Iran (1992)
• Padma Vibhushan  (1980)
• Padma Bhushan  (1968)
• Padma Shri  (1961)
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award  (1956)
• Tansen Award by Govt. of Madhya Pradesh.
• Three medals in All India Music Conference, Calcutta (1937)

Recognitions

Bismillah Khan had honorary doctorates from :

• Banaras Hindu University ,  Varanasi
• Visva Bharati University ,  Santiniketan

Others include

• Was invited by then  Prime Minister of India  Pandit  Jawaharlal Nehru  to play  shehnai  on the first Independence Day (15 August 1947) in  Delhi ‘s  Red Fort .
• Participated in  World Exposition  in Montreal
• Participated in Cannes Art Festival
• Participated in Osaka Trade Fair
• India Post issued commemorative postage stamps of ₹5.00 denomination on 21 August 2008
• On his 102nd birthday, Google honored Bismillah Khan with a  Google doodle .

By Mala Chandrashekhar

Introducing Blogger Mala Chandrashekhar - a specialist academically trained in modern Western sciences, yet deeply enamored with India's timeless ethnic arts, crafts, and textiles. Her heart beats for the rich and glorious cultural and spiritual heritage of India, and she has dedicated her entire blog to spreading the immortal glories of ancient India worldwide. Through her simple yet impactful blog posts, Mala aims to reach every nook and corner of the globe, sharing India's beauty and wisdom with the world.

But Mala doesn't stop at just sharing her own thoughts and ideas. She welcomes constructive criticisms and suggestions to improve her blog and make it even more impactful. And if you share her passion for India's culture and heritage, she extends a warm invitation for high-quality guest blog posts.

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Bismillah Khan (1916–2006) was an exceptional Indian musician who is widely celebrated as one of the greatest shehnai players in the world.

His unmatched mastery and distinctive style of playing propelled the shehnai , a traditional wind instrument from India, to immense recognition.

By showcasing the true brilliance of the shehnai, a humble wind instrument belonging to the oboe family, Bismillah Khan indeed played a pivotal role.

His remarkable contributions transformed this once-regarded folk instrument into a recognized classical instrument.

The shehnai not only captivated the hearts of music enthusiasts in Asia but also garnered widespread admiration from millions of Westerners.

They discovered and embraced the incredible potential of the shehnai, thanks to Ustad Bismillah Khan, a phenomenal classical musician, who mesmerized music enthusiasts with his mastery.

He holds a special place in the hearts of people, and his legacy will be cherished forever.

In this article, we will explore his early life, education, and illustrious career, as well as the awards and recognition he received.

So, let’s dive right in and discover the incredible journey of this extraordinary artist.

Born on March 21, 1916, in Dumraon, British India, Bismillah Khan belonged to a family of traditional Muslim musicians.

Coming from a family with a rich musical heritage, his ancestors were esteemed musicians in the courts of the princely states of Bhojpur.

His father, Paigambar Bux Khan, served as a court musician in the Dumraon Estate of Bihar under Maharaja Keshav Prasad Singh.

The musical legacy extended to his grandfathers, Ustad Salar Hussain Khan and Rasool Bux Khan, who were also musicians in the Dumraon palace.

Originally, he was given the name Qamaruddin to match his elder brother’s name, Shamsuddin.

However, when his grandfather, Rasool Baksh Khan, saw the newborn baby, he exclaimed the word “Bismillah” in awe.

From that moment on, he became known as Bismillah Khan.

Journey Into Music

Bismillah grew up watching his father play the wind instrument and became obsessed with it.

When he was only three years old, he relocated to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh , to become an apprentice to his maternal uncle, Ali Bux ‘Vilayatu’ Khan, a skilled shehnai player affiliated with the Kashi Vishwanath Temple .

Young Bismillah revered his uncle as his Guru and dedicated himself to learning every aspect of playing the instrument.

As a little boy, he would observe his uncles practicing and singing hymns at a nearby temple.

Bismillah often accompanied his uncle Ali Baksh to the Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

He received extensive shehnai lessons and would practice tirelessly, even composing his own melodies.

When Bismillah was 14 years old, he accompanied his uncle to the Allahabad music conference. In the audience was the legendary vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Khan.

Impressed by their performance, Ustad Faiyaz Khan advised Bismillah to work hard, and he followed the advice diligently.

Bismillah Khan’s dedication and passion for his craft led him to become a virtuoso in his field.

The Musical Career of Bismillah Khan

Bismillah Khan embarked on his career by performing at various stage shows.

However, his breakthrough came in 1937, when he had the opportunity to play at the All India Music Conference in Calcutta.

This mesmerizing performance brought the Shehnai into the spotlight and garnered immense appreciation from music enthusiasts.

Khan, a devout Muslim, performed at both Hindu and Muslim ceremonies, symbolizing religious harmony.

His fame soared when he received the honor of performing at Delhi’s historic Red Fort during India’s moment of independence on August 15, 1947.

Thereafter, his music became a regular feature on television every Independence Day.

Although he declined invitations to perform in other countries until 1966, he eventually agreed to play at the Edinburgh International Festival, organized by the Indian government.

This marked his introduction to the Western audience, and he continued to perform in Europe and North America with great success.

From there, Bismillah Khan’s fame transcended borders as he showcased his talent in numerous countries, such as the USA and Canada.

He also staged his shehnai performances in Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, West Africa, Japan, Hong Kong, and various parts of Europe.

Throughout his illustrious career, he graced many prestigious events worldwide.

Some notable examples include the World Exposition in Montreal, the Cannes Art Festival, and the Osaka Trade Fair.

Bismillah Khan’s Journey in Cinema

Bismillah Khan, the legendary shehnai player, showcased his immense talent not only in the world of music but also made a mark in the realm of Indian cinema.

His extraordinary contributions to the cinematic world added a new dimension to the film industry.

From captivating melodies to soul-stirring compositions, Bismillah Khan’s presence in cinema was nothing short of magical.

Goonj Uthi Shehnai

In the Hindi film ‘Goonj Uthi Shehnai,’ the shehnai recitals by Bismillah Khan himself resonated with audiences, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.

It also featured performances by other renowned musicians like Abdul Halim Jaffar Khan and Amir Khan.

The movie later became a blockbuster, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of the viewers.

With its mesmerizing music composed by Vasant Desai, ‘Goonj Uthi Shehnai’ stands as a testament to Bismillah Khan’s mastery.

Undoubtedly, the music and Bismillah’s performance highlight his ability to captivate audiences through the silver screen.

Sanaadi Appanna

Bismillah Khan’s cinematic journey continued with the Kannada film ‘Sanaadi Appanna.’

In this remarkable film, Bismillah Khan, along with his troupe, immersed themselves in the creation of music.

Interestingly, the music they created perfectly complemented the story of a rural shehnai artist portrayed by Dr. Rajkumar.

Their collaboration later resulted in a cinematic masterpiece, with the music composed by G. K. Venkatesh leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Sange Meel Se Mulaqat

Furthermore, Bismillah Khan’s life and musical legacy were beautifully captured in the documentary ‘Sange Meel Se Mulaqat.’

Directed by Goutam Ghose, this documentary certainly provided a glimpse into the maestro’s journey.

It showcased his humble beginnings as a young shehnai player and his ascent to becoming one of India’s greatest musical treasures.

Through interviews and personal anecdotes, ‘Sange Meel Se Mulaqat’ sheds light on Bismillah Khan’s growth and musical brilliance.

It also highlighted his invaluable contributions to the worlds of music and cinema.

In short, Bismillah Khan’s remarkable journey in cinema serves as a testament to his versatility and artistic genius.

It highlights his ability to touch the hearts of people through his magical performances, whether on the stage or on the silver screen.

His presence in the cinematic world continues to inspire and awe audiences, leaving an everlasting legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.

Bismillah Khan’s Enduring Legacy

In the post-independence era, Bismillah Khan stood as the unrivaled maestro of shehnai recitals, upholding the rich heritage of classical music through his soulful performances.

A true artist and music aficionado, he held the firm belief that music would endure even if the world itself were to perish.

With a profound sense of unity, Bismillah Khan transcended religious boundaries, using his music to spread the message of brotherhood among Hindus and Muslims.

Above all, his resounding proclamation echoed throughout: Music knows no caste.

Despite attaining immense fame, Bismillah Khan remained deeply rooted in his origins.

He never sought wealth or material possessions, choosing instead to lead a modest life amidst the sacred city of Benares.

Such was his love for his hometown that he declined a tempting offer of a permanent Visa to settle in the United States, staying loyal to his cherished Benares.

Embracing Unity

Bismillah Khan not only emphasized the harmony between Hindus and Muslims but also exemplified it in his own life.

Despite being a devout Shia Muslim, he fervently worshipped the Hindu Goddess Saraswati, showcasing his deep respect for different faiths.

What’s more intriguing is an enchanting tale that hints at a possible encounter between the maestro and Lord Krishna himself!

The story unfolds during a train journey when Bismillah Khan was traveling from Jamshedpur to Varanasi for a religious concert.

Amidst the passengers, his keen eyes caught sight of a young boy with a dusky complexion holding a flute in his hands.

To his amazement, the boy began playing a mesmerizing tune, one that the seasoned musician couldn’t identify.

Recognizing the divine essence in the young boy’s music, Bismillah Khan requested that he repeat the enchanting melody time and again.

Upon arriving in Varanasi, the maestro astounded his contemporaries by playing the same tune he had learned from the mysterious young boy.

When questioned about the newfound “raaga,” Ustad Bismillah Khan humbly revealed that he named it “Kanhaira.”

Awards and Honors

Bismillah Khan, the renowned shehnai maestro, was honored with numerous awards throughout his illustrious career. Let’s take a look at the notable accolades he received:

Bharat Ratna: In 2001

Bismillah Khan was awarded the Bharat Ratna , India’s highest civilian honor. This prestigious recognition celebrated his exceptional contributions to the field of music.

Padma Vibhushan: In 1980

He was bestowed with the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award. This honor acknowledged his remarkable artistry and profound impact on Indian classical music.

Padma Bhushan: 1968

Recognizing his remarkable talent and dedication, Bismillah Khan received the Padma Bhushan in 1968. This esteemed award highlighted his significant contributions to the cultural heritage of the nation.

Padma Shri: In 1961

Bismillah Khan was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. This prestigious accolade celebrated his mastery of the shehnai and his invaluable musical contributions.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award: 1956

He received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award from India’s National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama. This esteemed recognition highlighted his exceptional artistry and his influential role in promoting Indian classical music.

Tansen Award:

The government of Madhya Pradesh honored Bismillah Khan with the Tansen Award for his extraordinary contributions to the realm of music.

This award acknowledged his unparalleled expertise and his dedication to preserving and enriching the heritage of Indian classical music.

Talar Mausiquee: In 1992

Bismillah Khan was presented with the Talar Mausiquee award by the Republic of Iran.

This international recognition celebrated his musical brilliance and his ability to create a harmonious blend of cultures through his mesmerizing performances.

These prestigious awards are a testament to Bismillah Khan’s unparalleled talent, unwavering dedication, and profound impact on the world of music.

Bismillah Khan: Awards and Recognition 

Recognitions received by bismillah khan.

Bismillah Khan was bestowed with honorary doctorates from esteemed institutions, including Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi and Visva Bharati University in Santiniketan.

In recognition of Bismillah Khan’s profound impact on music, theater, and dance, the Sangeet Natak Akademi in New Delhi established the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2007. This prestigious award honors young artists who display remarkable talent.

In addition, he had the privilege of being invited by the then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, to play the shehnai at the historic first Independence Day celebration at Delhi’s Red Fort on August 15, 1947. This momentous occasion also marked a significant highlight in Bismillah Khan’s illustrious career.

Bismillah Khan’s talent and contributions were also recognized on the international stage. He actively participated in renowned events such as the World Exposition in Montreal, the Cannes Art Festival, and the Osaka Trade Fair.

In honor of his remarkable legacy, India Post issued commemorative postage stamps on August 21, 2008, with a denomination of ₹5.00.

Recognizing the importance of Bismillah Khan’s birthplace, the Government of Bihar proposed establishing a museum, a town hall-cum-library, and a life-size statue in Dumraon.

Furthermore, on Bismillah Khan’s 102nd birth anniversary, the popular search engine Google paid tribute to him. Specifically, Google featured a special doodle on its Indian home page on March 21, 2018. The doodle showcased his enduring impact on music.

Bismillah Khan’s influence and legacy transcend traditional Indian music.

In the documentary film “Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars,” renowned guitarist Eric Clapton acknowledges Bismillah Khan as an inspiration. He shares how he attempted to recreate the sound of Khan’s woodwind instrument with his guitar.

These prestigious recognitions and tributes demonstrate the immense respect and admiration for Bismillah Khan’s exceptional artistry and profound influence on Indian classical music.

Personal Life and Death

Bismillah Khan lived a simple life that endeared him to others. He preferred humble meals like rice and dal and traveled around on a cycle rickshaw.

Bismillah Khan cherished the company of his large family, which included not only his five biological sons but also an adopted daughter. This expanded family brought him the joy of raising grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bismillah Khan believed that his exceptional talent was bestowed upon him by Lord Shiva, whom he affectionately referred to as “nath.”

He also believed that he had attained a level of mastery that posed a challenge in transmitting to his disciples.

Moreover, he believed that the knowledge he could impart would only provide them with a glimpse of his remarkable abilities.

As a result, Khan seldom accepted students. S. Ballesh, Krishna Ballesh, and his own sons, Nazim Hussain and Nayyar Hussain, were among his disciples and followers.

On March 17, 2006, Bismillah Khan’s health declined, and he was admitted to Heritage Hospital in Varanasi for treatment. Sadly, his final wish to perform at India Gate could not be fulfilled.

He had hoped to pay tribute to the martyrs but waited in vain until his last rites. On August 21, 2006, at the age of 90, Ustad Bismillah Khan eventually passed away after suffering from a cardiac arrest.

Hence, the Indian government declared a day of national mourning to honor his death.

Bismillah Khan’s body, accompanied by his beloved Shehnai, was laid to rest at the Fatemaan burial ground in old Varanasi beneath a neem tree. A 21-gun salute by the Indian Army marked the solemn occasion.

Revised List of Albums of Bismillah Khan

Bismillah Khan’s captivating shehnai performances take center stage in these albums, showcasing his mastery and musical brilliance.

Each album offers a unique and enchanting experience, highlighting the versatility and artistry of this legendary musician.

Bismillah Khan’s 70’s–80’s Album

• Shehnai Legend (CD, Album): T-Series
• Shehnai (Cassette, Album, Stereo)-His Master’s Voice (1978)
• Shehnai (Ahir Bhairav/Bhimpalasi)-His Master’s Voice, His Master’s Voice (1978)
• Bilaskhani Todi, Rageshree, and Dhun (LP) – His Master’s Voice (1981)
• Shehnai, EMI, His Master’s Voice (1982)
• Ustad Bismillah Khan And Party (LP, Album) – His Master’s Voice (1983)
• Shehnai: His Master’s Voice, His Master’s Voice (1984)
• Shaadi Ki Shehnaiyan No. 1 (Cassette, Album) EMI (1988)
• Shaadi Ki Shehnaiyan No. 2 (Cassette, Album) EMI (1988)
• Subramaniam, With Ustad Bismillah Khan and Party, Live In Geneva (LP, Stereo) – CBS Gramophone Records & Tapes (India) Ltd. (1989)

Bismillah Khan’s 90’s -20’s Album

• Vibrant Sounds Of Shenai (CD, Album) – Oriental Records, Ancient & Modern Sound, Oriental Records, Ancient & Modern Sound (1990)
• Vibrant Sounds Of Shenai (CD) – Oriental Records (1990)
• Ragas Bhimpalasi, Khambaj & Bhairavi (CD, Album) – Chhanda Dhara (1994)
• Shehnai Recital (CD, Album) – Venus (12) (1994)
• Shehnai Fantasia (SCI, T-Series) (1995)
• Shaan-E-Shehnai – Vol. 12 (Cassette, Album) – T-Series (1995)
• Shehnai Virtuoso (CD) – T-Series (1995)
• Shehnai Ki Bahaar – T-Series (1995)
• Sublime Notes (CD, Album) – T-Series (1995)
• Divine Shehnai – T-Series (1995)
• Glory Of Shehnai (CD, Album) – T-Series (1995)
• Enchanting Shehnai – T-Series (1995)
• Shehnai Ecstasy (CD, Album) – T-Series (1995)
• Shehnai ‘N’ Moods – T-Series (1997)
• Ragas Kedar & Rageshwari (CD, Album, Reissue) – Sony Nād, Navras (2006)

The iconic shehnai player, Bismillah Khan, takes center stage in these albums with his mesmerizing performances. Undeniably, he showcases his mastery of the shehnai and his ability to enchant listeners with his soulful melodies.

His contributions to these recordings have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of music.

Bismillah Khan’s Singles and EPs

The singles and EPs feature Bismillah Khan’s captivating shehnai performances, showcasing his mastery and musical brilliance.

Altogether, each recording offers a unique experience, allowing listeners to appreciate the beauty and intricacies of his music.

The revised list of Bismillah Khan’s singles & EPs is as follows:

• शहनाई – पूर्बी धुन​ (Shellac, 10″, 78 RPM) – His Master’s Voice (1940)
• शहनाई – ललित​ / शहनाई – मारू बिहाग​ (Shellac, 10″, 78 RPM) – His Master’s Voice (1951)
• शहनाई – बसंत बहार / धुन​ (Shellac, 10″, 78 RPM) – His Master’s Voice (1957)
• Goonj Uthi Shehnai = गूँज उठी शहनाई (Shellac, 10″, 78 RPM) – His Master’s Voice (1960)
• Ustad Bismillah Khan And Party, Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan – Goonj Uthi Shehnai = गूँज उठी शहनाई (Shellac, 10″, 78 RPM) – His Master’s Voice (1960)
• Amir Khan & Ustad Bismillah Khan And Party – Goonj Uthi Shehnai (Shellac, 10″, 78 RPM) – His Master’s Voice (1960)
• Ustad Bismillah Khan And Party, Amir Khan – Goonj Uthi Shehnai = गूँज उठी शहनाई (Shellac, 10″, 78 RPM) – His Master’s Voice (1960)

These recordings are a testament to Bismillah Khan’s extraordinary talent and his ability to enchant listeners with his soulful shehnai performances.

Bismillah Khan Biography in View

Indeed, Bismillah Khan, an extraordinary Indian musician, is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest shehnai players globally.

Undoubtedly, he immensely contributed to Indian classical music by popularizing the shehnai as a solo instrument and bringing it into the spotlight.

While traditionally used in North Indian weddings and religious ceremonies, Khan’s performances demonstrated the shehnai’s versatility and expressive capabilities.

Millions of people worldwide were deeply moved by Bismillah Khan’s music, which continues to inspire generations of musicians with its soulful and mesmerizing qualities.

We will always remember his legacy as a master shehnai player and his invaluable contributions to Indian classical music.

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Ustad bismillah khan, "a symbol of india's religious pluralism," passes away.

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5270968.stm?ls

On August 21, 2006 BBC News reported, "Ustad Bismillah Khan was one of India's most prolific musicians, gaining worldwide acclaim for playing the shehnai for more than eight decades. He was credited with helping the shehnai - a type of wind instrument - attain a higher status in Indian classical music and taking it to a world stage. It had earlier considered to be an accompanying instrument. In 2001, he was awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna. The shehnai is traditionally played at Indian weddings and ceremonies and its high-pitched notes and heart-tugging sound are considered auspicious. A devout Muslim, Khan was a symbol of India's religious pluralism and a symbol of harmony for people of different faiths. He was often seen playing at various temples and on the banks of the holy river Ganges in the northern Indian city of Varanasi, his home town. He was particularly proud of playing outside the famous Vishwanath temple in Varanasi."

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Paragraph on Bismillah Khan

Ustad Bismillah Khan was a renowned musician of India and had mastered playing shehnai. He had a great role in making shehnai music popular in India and the world. Music is a collection of different types of pleasant sounds that gives a soothing effect to our mind and body. This pleasant sound is composed by using different musical instruments. The beautiful soothing music that we hear is made possible by the musicians having proficiency in playing different musical instruments. There have been several great artists and musicians born in India and Ustad Bismillah Khan is one of the shining stars among them.

Short and Long Paragraphs on Bismillah Khan

The topic ‘Bismillah Khan’ is very important for school students and exam aspirants. The students are often asked to write an essay, assignment, project, etc on this topic. They find difficulty in thinking that what things have to be included in writing on this topic. In the same reference, I have provided sets of short and long paragraphs on this topic. I hope that this might be useful to all students in giving them an idea of writing essays, paragraphs, or assignments on this topic.

Paragraph 1 – 100 Words (A Glance On A Famous Indian Musician)

Bismillah Khan is a popular name in the field of Indian classical music. He was a famous shehnai player and gave national as well as international fame to this folk music. This great musician was born on 21st of March in the year 1916 in the Bihar state of India. He was born in a family that was linked with the art of music from generations. Apart from being a great shehnai player, he was also a very generous person by nature. He had learned to play shehnai from his uncle Ali Baksh Khan who used to play shehnai in Kashi Vishwanath temple of Varanasi. Bismillah Khan also accompanied his uncle to play shehnai in different ceremonies. He has bagged several awards and achievements for his excellent skill of playing shehnai.

Paragraph 2 – 120 Words (Bismillah Khan’s Contribution Popularizing Shehnai)

I think that you all would have heard of the beautiful and melodious sound of shehnai often in the marriage ceremonies. Isn’t it true? It is really difficult to imagine that the instrument shehnai that was earlier only the part of folk music has gained the status of becoming classical music. The credit of bringing this form of music to such a height goes to the famous Indian music player named Bismillah Khan. Shehnai is a musical instrument that has been instituted in India. This instrument is made up of wood at one end and has a bell-like metal structure at the other end. It is because of the Ustad Bismillah Khan that shehnai is known in the entire nation and different parts of the world. The people living in western countries now recognize this instrument and show curiosity in learning to play the same. Bismillah Khan is therefore regarded as a precious jewel in the history of India.

Paragraph 3 – 150 Words (Bismillah Khan: The Pride of India)

The word shehnai brings the name of great musician Bismillah Khan in our mind. He is popularly said as the pride of the holy city Varanasi in India. He was a person who believed in simple living and high thinking. This was only the thing that differentiated this great personality from others. He had made a lot of effort to become a great musician in India. He started his day with rigorous exercise and then he used to play shehnai throughout the day. Mostly he used to practice playing shehnai near the river Ganga and the temple areas in Varanasi. He was a very spiritual person and greatly believed in God. He also said that his excel in this art was only because of the blessings of Lord Shiva. The great success that he had achieved in his life is because of his earnest love in his passion for playing shehnai. He had travelled to different parts of the world after becoming a famous shehnai player. Many of the countries requested him to stay there for his entire life but he never accepted the same because of his love with Indian state Varanasi. This great musician took his last breath on 21st August 2006 and his death was a great loss for the nation.

Paragraph 4 – 200 Words (An Account On Early Life Of Bismillah Khan)

The country India is a treasure of several talented personalities in the field of art and culture. Bismillah Khan is one among them and is regarded as the famous Shehnai player of India. His ultimate love for playing the instrument shehnai has made this art rank among the finest classical music in India. He was given the title of ‘Ustad’ because of his excellence in his art.

Early Life Of Bismillah Khan

Ustad Bismillah Khan was born to Paigambar Baksh and Mitthan Khan on 21st March in the year 1916 in Dumrao a small town in Buxar city of Indian state Bihar. His family members were involved in the profession of music from generations. Qamruddin Khan was the original name of Bismillah Khan. Bismillah Khan which means ‘in the name of Allah’ was the name given to him by his grandfather Rasool Baksh Khan. He went to Varanasi to learn to play Shehnai from his maternal uncle Ali Baksh Khan at the age of six years. Thereafter, he never went away from there and always remained in Varanasi. He tied a knot with his own cousin in the year 1932 and had nine children.

Patron Of Hindu-Muslim Unity

Ustad Bismillah Khan was born in a traditional Muslim family in the Bihar state of India but he is regarded as a patron of Hindu-Muslim unity in the nation. He wanted that the power of music keep the people united and live together. He was a great devotee of goddess Saraswati. Moreover, he used to say that he would play the shehnai because of the blessing of Lord Shiva. He practiced playing shehnai near the temples and in this way, he was promoting the Hindu-Muslim unity in the nation.

Paragraph 5 – 250 Words (Ustad’s Journey Of Becoming A Famous Shehnai Player)

The legendry Shehnai player Ustad Bismillah Khan is a famous name that is recognized very well in India and the entire world. He had added great beauty to the Indian classical music by ornamenting it with the melody of shehnai. His entire life and the effort that he made to reach such a height of success is full of inspiration for the younger generations.

His Journey Of Becoming A Famous Shehnai Player

Bismillah Khan started playing shehnai at a very small age of six years. He was greatly in love with this art and used to call his shehnai his ‘begum’. He learnt to play Shehnai music on different types of ragas and he gave the melody of this instrument to the most difficult ragas that were really impossible to be done with shehnai. In the year 1937, the concert performance at the All India Music Conference in Kolkata gave him great publicity in the nation as a famous shehnai player. Later, he started performing in different concerts held in the nation as well as different countries of the world.

The great musician Bismillah Khan played shehnai in the year 1947, on the eve of first Independence Day at Red Fort. Since then his performance at Red Fort every year had become a part of the Independence Day celebration in the nation. He had also performed in different Bollywood movies and had bagged several awards for the same.

Awards Conferred On Bismillah Khan

Ustad Bismillah Khan had been awarded several awards and achievements for his remarkable contribution to the field of music. He had received India’s highest civilian award named ‘Bharat Ratna’ in the year 2001. He was the third musician in India to get this award after Subbalakshmi and Ravi Shankar. ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Puraskar’ was the name of award started by the Sangeet Natak Academi in the year 2007 to give tribute to the great musician Bismillah Khan. He had also bagged the Sangeet Natak Academi fellowship and award in 1994 and 1956. He had also been awarded the Tansen award by the government of Madhya Pradesh. There are several awards and honours that have been received by the famous shehnai player Ustad Bismillah Khan for his remarkable contributions to Indian music.

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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions On Bismillah Khan

Ans. Bismillah Khan was popularly called ‘Khan Saab’.

Ans. Tehran is the country in the world that has built an auditorium named ‘Tahar Mosiquee Ustad Bismillah Khan’ in honour of Bismillah Khan.

Ans. Raag Kafi was played by Bismillah Khan on India’s first Independence Day on 15th August in the year 1947.

Ans. Bismillah Khan’s first abroad trip for playing Shehnai was to Afghanistan.

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Character Sketch of Ustad Bismillah Khan.

Ustad bismillah khan was one of the greatest national and international shehnai player. he brought shehnai to the classical age. he learned to play shehnai from his ancestors. he practised for hours and worked very hard to attain perfection. on 15th august 1947, the day when india got independence, he played shehnai before the prime minister of india, pandit jawahar lal nehru and greeted the independence with his melodious music. he created many new ragas and won many prestigious awards. he was awarded the bharat ratna in 2001, which is india's highest civilian honour. he brought the shehnai to the concert stage and elevated its status. he was not attracted to the glamor of bollywood but he made his contribution in two movies. he composed one of the hit songs in the film named 'gunj uthi shehnai' directed by vijay bhatt. the name of the song was "dil ka khilona hai toot gaya." also, he composed one song 'samadhi apanna' for a kannada film. he was a true patriot who declined many offers to settle abroad. he was a true artist but a simple man. he had great regards for hindustani classical music..

How did Bismillah Khan get his big break?

Answer these questions in 30 – 40 words.

1. Why did Aurangzeb ban the playing of the pungi ?

2. How is a shehnai different from a pungi ?

3. Where was the shehnai played traditionally? How did Bismillah Khan change this?

4. When and how did Bismillah Khan get his big break?

5. Where did Bismillah Khan play the shehnai on 15 August 1947? Why was the event historic?

6. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A.?

7. Find at least two instances in the text which tell you that Bismillah Khan loves India and Benaras.