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Ustad Bismillah Khan mesmerises Kashmir

SRINAGAR: "I had come here once earlier...Would love to come here again. You should invite me to this beautiful Valley at least once a year. I will be glad to perform even at your weddings," said legendary `Shehnai' maestro and Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan after his mesmerising performance in Kashmir.

The audience at the Tagore Hall here last evening were spellbound by the breathtaking recital of the 89-year-old Shehnai wizard and his eleven-member troupe, mostly comprising his sons.

Though age has taken its toll on him, the Ustad was his usual self with the `Shehnai' as he gave a flawless performance for a packed house for about 70 minutes, held after a gap of more than 35 years in Kashmir.

The motley audience, including Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, waited patiently for about 45 minutes for the programme to commence and hear the maestro weave his magic with memorable compositions.

The maestro, brought on the stage on a wheelchair, began the recital in his trademark style by playing his favourite piece - `the Kajri'-- synonymous with the rains, besides two other segments of classical compositions.

"Aap ko acha lage ya nahin... Ham to Kajri bajayenge. Barsat ki dhun hai (I will play Kajri whether you like it or not. It is played usually in the monsoons)," he told audiences as they heard him in elation and with reverence.

Their was a discordant note also before the recital began, the Ustad was upset with the organisers as he had some problem with the acoustics system.

"Mike hata dijye... Ham baja lenge... Itminan rakhiye (Remove mike...Be sure I can play without it)," he said.

The show was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with the University of Jammu and Spic-MACAY Jammu chapter.

This was Ustad Bismillah Khan's first performance in the Valley since he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the nation's highest civilian honour, in 2001.

The Shehnai wizard performed for music connoisseur at Jammu's Abhinav Theatre on September 8.

UNI

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Ustad Bismillah Khan mesmerises Kashmir

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