Bismillah Khan death Anniversary: Did you know Shehnai maestro also acted in a film?

Ustad Bismillah Khan was an eminent musician who played the musical instrument 'Shehnai.' Born as Qamaruddin Khan in 1916 in a small village in Bihar and a family court of musicians, he was so much in love with the music that he often called his Shehnai his wife.

His father, Paighamber Bux Khan, was the real inspiration behind his love for music as he was himself a court musician for the Bhojpuri king.

Ustaad Bismillah Khan performed with Shehnai for over seven decades and was the recipient of all the four highest civilian awards, including Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, apart from several other awards and recognitions in his lifetime.


There are some lesser-known facts about Bismillah Khan, and one of them was that his last wish was to perform at India Gate and pay tribute to the martyrs of World War I, but unfortunately, it remained unfulfilled.



He was part of India's Independence celebration, as Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru invited him to perform at the event for the first time at the Red Fort. He also performed during the first Republic Day of India.

Moreover, the Shehnai Maestro had a brief association with Indian cinema as he acted in one of the Bengali drama films 'Jaisaghar' and provided the sound of Shehnai in the famous Bollywood film 'Goonj Uthi Shehnai' starring Rajendra Kumar.

Noted Bengali film director Goutam Ghose made a documentary film 'Sange Meel Se Mulaqat,' based on the life of Bismillah Khan.

He also participated in Cannes Film Festival, World Exposition in Montreal, and Osaka Trade Fair.

On August 21, 2008, India Post issued postage stamps of ₹5.00 denomination in memory of Bismillah Khan. He has been credited for single-handedly making the Shehnai a popular musical instrument in India. Ustad Bismillah Khan left a legacy behind and influenced thousands of people.