Monday, August 28, 2006

Ustad Bismilla Khan Ji died a passed away days ago. Ustadji, single-handedly, took up a folk instrument having its origins in Persia in his hand, and turned it into a classical instrument - such was his genius, such was his devotion to music. The demise of Ustadji has left Shehnai crippled.

Listening to a record of Ustadji, I remembered listening to an interview of Ustad Vilayat Khan a few years ago where he said, "Thumri gaane ke liye allah miya ek alag dil dewe." Ustad Bismillah Khan Ji was the only person had that "dil" when it came to the world of Shehnai. The heart of Shehnai has stopped beating.

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