Shehnai exponent Ustad Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan passes away

Eminent Shehnai exponent Ustad Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan passed away following prolonged illness in Kolkatta, West Bengal. He was 77.
He was one of the best-known players of the instrument after the legendary Bismillah Khan. He hailed from a family of renowned Shehnai exponents from Benaras.

About Ustad Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan

• Ustad Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan was famously known for his innovative style and mastery over the classical and semi-classical and folk music repertoire.
• He had played Shehnai at the inauguration ceremony of Doordarshan television channel in 1973 with Pandit Ravi Shankar and also had rendered its signature tune.
• He had performed globally including at Russia, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Singapore, Indonesia, Tunisia, Hongkong and the Philippines.
• He was a top graded artiste of All India Radio (AIR). He also used to teach in the Kolkatta based ITC Sangeet Research Academy .
• Awards and Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2009), Bangabhushan award (2012) of West Bengal government etc.

Shehnai: It is a musical (wind) instrument common in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. It is made out of wood with a double reed at one end and a metal or wooden flared bell at the other end. Its sound is thought to create and maintain a sense of sanctity and auspiciousness and is widely used during processions, marriages and in temples although it is also played in concerts. It is similar to South India’s nadaswaram.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2016