Ustad Bismillah Khan (1913-2006)

 Ustad Bismillah Khan was a renowned Indian shehnai player, born on March 21, 1913, in a small town called Dumraon in the present-day state of Bihar, India. He is widely regarded as a cultural icon and an emblem of Indian classical music.

Early Life and Training:

Bismillah Khan was born into a family of musicians who served the court of the princely state of Bhojpur in Bihar. His grandfather, Rasool Baksh Khan, was a shehnai player in the court of the Nawab of Bhojpur. Bismillah Khan's father, Paigambar Baksh Khan, was also a shehnai player and taught music to his sons. Bismillah Khan's elder brother, Ustad Saheb Ali Khan, was also a shehnai player and taught him the instrument.

Bismillah Khan was a child prodigy and started playing the shehnai at an early age. He was initially trained in classical music by his uncle, Ali Baksh 'Vilayatu', who was a vocalist and a sarangi player. Bismillah Khan also received training in the traditional style of Bhojpuri music from his father.

Musical Career:

Bismillah Khan's musical career began when he was invited to perform at the All India Music Conference in Kolkata in 1937. His performance was highly appreciated, and he was hailed as a young maestro of the shehnai. He soon gained fame and recognition and started performing in various parts of India.

Bismillah Khan's music was a blend of classical and folk styles, and he was known for his improvisations and mastery over the shehnai. He was also a composer and had created several new ragas and compositions. He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1956, the Padma Shri in 1961, the Padma Bhushan in 1968, and the Padma Vibhushan in 1980. In 2001, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

Bismillah Khan's music transcended national boundaries, and he performed in several countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Japan. He was also a regular performer at the annual cultural festival of Varanasi, the city where he had settled and lived for several decades.

Personal Life:

Bismillah Khan was a devout Shia Muslim and was deeply religious. He attributed his success to the blessings of Allah and believed that his music was a form of worship. He was a simple and humble person and lived a frugal life despite his fame and wealth. He was married and had five sons and three daughters.

Legacy:

Bismillah Khan's contribution to Indian classical music is immense, and he is regarded as one of the greatest shehnai players of all time. He popularized the shehnai, an instrument that was traditionally played only in wedding processions, and brought it to the concert stage. He also collaborated with other musicians and introduced new styles and techniques in his music.

Bismillah Khan's music continues to inspire and influence musicians across the world. He was a true ambassador of Indian culture and was instrumental in promoting Indian classical music on the global stage. He passed away on August 21, 2006, at the age of 92, but his legacy lives on through his music and his disciples.