E-Paper
Ustad?s demise a big loss to music world
USTAD'S DEMISE is an irreparable loss to the music fraternity. None could reach the pinnacle of fame and glory as achieved by Ustad Bismillah Khan, asserted the city musicians on the sudden death of this great Shehnai wizard. Eminent classical singer Pt Vishnu Shantaram Kashalkar recalled an interview of Ustad taken on AIR about 40 years ago in which he was questioned about the tips he used in attaining expertise in bringing out the mellifluous tunes from his 'shehnai'.
USTAD'S DEMISE is an irreparable loss to the music fraternity. None could reach the pinnacle of fame and glory as achieved by Ustad Bismillah Khan, asserted the city musicians on the sudden death of this great Shehnai wizard.
Eminent classical singer Pt Vishnu Shantaram Kashalkar recalled an interview of Ustad taken on AIR about 40 years ago in which he was questioned about the tips he used in attaining expertise in bringing out the mellifluous tunes from his 'shehnai'.
"And no wonder, he owed every achievement to his 'riyaz'. He was a firm believer in practising hard.
The tunes churned out by Ustad were fathomed by all since he had the amazing talent of converting the complexities of classical music into pleasant melodious tunes," said Kashalkar. Ustad gave performances in this holy city approximately five times and he also attended marriages here, added Kashalkar.
Another popular singer Pt Ramashray Jha believed that Bismillah Khan was the musician of the masses. "The credit of earning reputation for shehnai goes to him.
This musical instrument did not get the place of pride earlier and it was played only during marriage ceremonies and other such occasions. We are indebted to the contributions of this musician," he added.
Geeta Bannerji, a singer, said that Ustad Bismillah Khan was highly regarded all over the nation and his remarkable talent earned him respect abroad.
Sitarist Mala Tankha believes that the music played by Ustad emerged from his heart which was equally pure and serene as his music. "His dedication for music is not witnessed among the present musicians. He did riyaz in a temple. Ustad's talent was god-gifted and music was his religion," she said.
Singer Mallika Chatterji considered Ustad Bismillah Khan as an inspiration for the young musicians.
"Ustad took music as 'sadhana'. But today, the musicians want to achieve more in a short span which has resulted in the decline in quality of music.
Their focus on earning money through music is their greatest drawback in achieving the exalted position as achieved by our great musicians," she said.
Dr Madhu Shukla, coordinator of Allahabad chapter of SPIC MACAY said that none could match the calibre of Ustad Bismillah Khan in the years to come.
Music was like prayer for him, she added.
State government declared holiday on Monday to mourn the death of this great musician.
Kids recall their rendezvous with the maestro
The only school chapter of SPIC MACAY, St Mary’s Convent School Ghoorpur also organised a condolence meeting. The members of the club recalled their rendezvous with the ‘Shenhai Maestro’ at the Jaipur Convention of SPIC MACAY last year. Reminiscencing the truly mesmerising performance of the Ustad, kids wondered will someone ever be able to match the magic of this musician? School principal Rina Singh announced to put up an exhibition of photographs of the maestro in the school as mark of respect to the departed soul.
