He brought the little known shehnai to the centre stage of Indian classical music. When he played the small strange instrument, traditionally played in wedding processions or Hindu religious rituals, it was magic. The soothing sweetness and sublime peace Ustad Bismillah Khan created with the shehnai transcended borders and beliefs. Bismillah Khan has received the highest and most cherished civil awards in India: Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna. Only two other classical musicians have won these honours: Ravi Shankar and M.S. Sabbulakshmi.
He was a devoted Shia Muslim who also worshipped Saraswati – the Hindu goddess of music.
The gentle genius of Bismillah Khan is perhaps single handedly responsible for making shehnai a famous classical instrument from being a common court prop. He believed that music has no caste and he received love and affection from everyone. Ustad Bismillah Khan managed to captivate the audience because his music was true and it was the sound of the people. It's a maestro who made a rather mournful sounding instrument sing songs of joy.
RAAG BHAIRAVI
