Ustad bismillah khan biography

Indian musician (1916–2006)

For other uses, see Bismillah Khan (disambiguation).

UstadBismillah 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 reededwoodwind instrument.

His virtuosity made him a leading Hindustani classical music artist, indelibly linking his name with the woodwind instrument.

Ustad bismillah khan biography

While the shehnai had importance as a folk instrument played primarily by musicians schooled in traditional ceremonies, Khan elevated its status and brought it to the concert stage.^[1][2]

Khan was a devout Muslim but performed at both Hindu and Muslim ceremonies, being considered a symbol of religious harmony.

Owing to his fame, he was selected to perform for the ceremony at Delhi's historic Red Fort as the Indian flag unfurled at the hour of India's independence on 15 August 1947. His music was played (in Raag Kafi) on televisio