Ustad Bismillah Khan
Ustad Bismillah Khan, born as Qamaruddin Khan, was an Indian musician who was one of the most famous shehnai players in the world. He was born on March 21, 1916, in Dumraon, a small town in the present-day state of Bihar. Bismillah Khan’s father, Paigambar Khan, was also a shehnai player and taught him the art of playing the instrument.
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Early Life of Bismillah Khan
Born as Qumaruddin Khan on 21 March 1916, the man who would later be known to the world as Bismillah Khan, was born into a family deeply rooted in the tradition of music. His birthplace was the small town of Dumraon, in the then British India. His parents, Paigambar Bux Khan and Mitthanbai, were musicians in the court of Maharaja Keshav Prasad Singh of Dumraon Estate in Bihar, and his grandfathers, Ustad Salar Hussain Khan and Rasool Bux Khan, were also celebrated musicians. As a newborn, his grandfather Rasool Baksh Khan, a shehnai player, joyously exclaimed “Bismillah”, meaning “In the name of Allah”, and thus, the name Bismillah Khan stuck.
Personal Life
In his tender age of six, Khan moved to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, where he apprenticed under his maternal uncle, Ali Bux ‘Vilayatu’ Khan, a shehnai player attached to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. By age fourteen, he accompanied his uncle to the prestigious Allahabad music conference. Bismillah was a devout Muslim, yet he found unity in music, performing for both Hindu and Muslim ceremonies, symbolizing a unique religious harmony.
Professional Life of Bismillah Khan
Bismillah Khan’s professional journey began with performing at various stage shows. His first major breakthrough arrived in 1937 when he enthralled audiences at a concert at the All India Music Conference in Calcutta. This performance spotlighted the shehnai on the concert stage and was widely appreciated by music aficionados. Over his illustrious career, Khan played in many countries and in many prestigious events worldwide, including the World Exposition in Montreal, Cannes Art Festival, and Osaka Trade Fair.
Awards and Recognitions
In recognition of his enormous contribution to Indian classical music, Khan was conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2001, the highest civilian honour in India. With this, he became the third classical musician of India, after M. S. Subbalakshmi and Ravi Shankar, to receive this prestigious award.
Age
Bismillah Khan lived a long and fruitful life of 90 years, passing away on 21 August 2006.
Parents’ Name and Family
Bismillah Khan was the second son of Paigambar Bux Khan and Mitthanbai. He was part of a family with a rich musical legacy, as his father was a court musician and both his grandfathers were renowned musicians.
Net Worth
While Bismillah Khan’s net worth remains undisclosed, his value extends far beyond monetary measures. His priceless contributions to Indian classical music, specifically the popularization of the shehnai, remain his enduring legacy.
