BMA Inspiration: Indian Classical Musician and Shehnai Maestro Ustaad Bismillah Khan

Ustad Bismillah Khan was born as Qamaruddin Khan in Bhirung Raut ki Gali at Dumraon, Bihar. He was born as the second son of Paigambar Khan and Mitthan. He hailed from the family of musicians, wherein his ancestors were musicians in the court of princely states of Bhojpur, now in Bihar. His father was a shehnai player in the court of Maharaja Keshav Prasad Singh, Dumraon. His named was changed to Bismillah by his grandfather Rasool Baksh Khan. On being relocated to Varanasi at his maternal uncle at the age of 6, Bismillah received formal training in music from him, Ali Baksh 'Vilayatu', a renowned shehnai player at Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi.

Bismillah Khan practiced the shehnai devotedly and perfected in a short span of time. It was his concert in All India Music Conference in Calcutta in 1937 which brought shehnai into the limelight. It was highly appreciated by the common masses and shehnai became associated with Bismillah. His live performance at Delhi's Red Fort became an inseparable part of the celebration of the first Independence Day in 1947, when he was invited by the first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Later on January 26, 1950, he even performed at, yet again, Red Fort on the eve of India's first Republic Day. His recital was telecast on Doordarshan every year as part of cultural activities in Independence Day celebrations. He performed almost at every place across the globe. He took active participation in the Cannes Art Festival and Osaka Trade Fair. Continuing his musical presence, he was invited in the World Exposition in Montreal. The modesty and simplicity of Bismillah Khan was reflected in his lifestyle. He believed that music has nothing to do with caste and religion. Although he was a dedicated Shi'ite Muslim, he was a staunch devotee of the Hindu goddess of music, Saraswati.

Ustad Bismillah Khan will always be remembered for his remarkable contribution to the Indian music. He is the only one to make the shehnai one of the most popular classical music instruments across the world. He was the perfect and unbeatable synonym for shehnai.

While keeping the magic of shehnai alive round the world, Bismillah tried his hand at some movies as well. He played the shehnai for Kannada film 'Sanaadi Appanna' and had even acted in the Satyajit Ray movie 'Jasaghar'. The sound of shehnai in the 1959 film 'Goonj Uthi Shehnai' was provided by this music legend. He recorded for his last movie in 2006 in 'Swades' for the song 'Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera'.

Ustad Bismillah Khan was admitted to Heritage Hospital on August 17, 2006 and four days later, died of a cardiac arrest on August 21. A day of national mourning was announced by the Government of India on his death. He was buried, along with a Shehnai, at Fatermain burial ground, Old Varanasi with a 21-gun salute from the Indian Army. He is survived by five sons, three daughters, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.