Mumbai, March 20: The immortal sound of the shehnai, which has resonated across oceans, embodies the essence of Indian culture. This legacy belongs to the ‘Bharat Ratna’ Ustad Bismillah Khan.
Ustad Bismillah Khan was not only a remarkable musician but also a perfect example of simplicity and the Ganga-Jamuni culture. He practiced diligently at temple thresholds, seeking only the ‘true note’ from God in every prayer. His devotion to music continued until his last breath. A true connoisseur of art, Ustad Bismillah Khan was a great admirer of legendary artists like Lata Mangeshkar and the renowned Begum Akhtar.
Born on March 21 in Bihar, Bismillah Khan’s love for music took him to Varanasi at the tender age of six. There, he would spend hours practicing in temples, deeply devoted to Goddess Saraswati. He never allowed religion to interfere with his music, which is perhaps why every wave of the Ganges in Varanasi bore witness to his melodies.
Bismillah Khan, already famous for his shehnai and music, cherished the voices of Lata Mangeshkar and Begum Akhtar. He was so captivated by Begum Akhtar’s ghazal, “Deewana Banana Hai To Deewana Bana De,” that he would wake up at 2 AM to search for where her record was playing.
He once heard this ghazal in his sleep and became enamored with Begum Akhtar’s singing. He remarked that her voice possessed a magic that few could replicate.
Ustad Bismillah Khan was also a fan of Lata Mangeshkar’s singing. Interestingly, he often attempted to find any subtle flaw in her performances but was met with perfection every time. In an old interview, the shehnai maestro admitted, “The expression in Lata’s voice is unmatched. When her records played, I listened intently, trying to find a single note that was off-key or a word that was out of tune, but it never happened. Every word, every note was perfect. When she spoke, she spoke melodiously; what Lata has, no one else does.”
Both Ustad Bismillah Khan and Lata Mangeshkar contributed significantly to the global recognition of music. They were honored together with India’s highest civilian award in 2001. Both shared a love for simplicity and music, dedicating their entire lives to the arts.
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P.S./A.S.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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