Walking down the Ustad's lane
AIRWAVES Remembering the maestro.
Five days after Ustad Bismillah Khan passed away, what could a news channel possibly say about the ustad that had not been said or shown? Well, DD News made that happen this past week. After the world had settled down after watching the day's developments, there was a surprise for the viewers. "Banaras Ke Bismillah" episode on the Ehsaas show was the kind of effort that brought a lump to the throat. The producers actually managed to say a few things about the shehnai maestro which had somehow remained hidden from the common man. For instance, the lead role played by the ustad's maternal uncle in his early grooming.
What's more the programme had some sound bytes from the ustad himself which lent an enduring appeal to the half-hour saga. With his son coming on camera to speak about his father who never cultivated an heir, the reporting team had clearly done a fine job. Many programmes had been able to get distinguished artistes to speak on the maestro but to get his son on a show was a little triumph. The fine feeling was also made partially possible by Arshad Iqbal's narration. His voice had a modulation that worked well with the changing fortunes of the ustad as he carved out a niche for himself. Though a little late in the day, but "Banaras Ke Bismillah" was a fine effort all the way.
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