Indian music legend Bismillah Khan, who enthralled generations with his shehnai, an Indian wind instrument, died on August 21 of a heart attack, hospital officials said. He was 90.
Khan, a recipient of India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, or Jewel India, had been ailing for months and was hospitalised last month in the Hindu holy city of Varanasi after his condition worsened.
Khan suffered a heart attack late on Sunday, said Dr PSR Aiyar at Heritage hospital. ”He breathed his last at 2.20am,” Aiyar said.
Khan was to be given a state funeral later on Monday, said Nitin Gokaran Ramesh, a spokesperson for the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, where Varanasi is located. All schools and colleges in the state were to be closed and the national flag was to fly at half-staff, he said.
Khan played the shehnai at India’s first Independence Day celebration on August 15 1948. However, his wish to perform 59 years later at this year’s celebration was unfulfilled because of his poor health.
The shehnai is a wind instrument, similar to a clarinet. It has between six and nine holes and employs two sets of double reeds. By controlling the breath, musicians are able to produce highly complex tunes and melodies.
The high-pitched wailing sound of the shehnai is considered auspicious and the instrument is often played at Indian weddings and other celebrations.
Khan, a native of the eastern state of Bihar, moved to Varanasi in his teens to learn the instrument from his uncle, who played the shehnai at a Hindu temple.
Khan was a Muslim but played the shehnai at countless Hindu ceremonies and was widely regarded as a symbol of India’s secular traditions.
Khan enthralled audiences worldwide during a musical career that spanned more than seven decades. Despite his fame, Khan led a simple life, preferring to travel around Varanasi in a bicycle rickshaw.
Khan is survived by five sons and three daughters. His wife died 10 years ago. — Sapa-AP