Bismillah Khan (21 March 1916 – 21 August 2006) was an Indian musician who raised the shehnai, a reed instrument once played mainly at weddings and temples, to the concert stage. He played at the Red Fort as India celebrated independence in 1947, and his music became the sound of auspicious occasions across the country. He received the Bharat Ratna in 2001.
Quick Facts
| Birth name | Qamaruddin Khan |
| Born | 21 March 1916, Dumraon, Bihar, India |
| Died | 21 August 2006, Varanasi (aged 90) |
| Instrument | Shehnai |
| Guru | His uncle, Ali Bux “Vilayatu” |
| Home | Varanasi |
| Honours | Bharat Ratna (2001), Padma Vibhushan (1980) |
Early Life
Bismillah Khan was born in Dumraon, Bihar, into a family of court musicians. As a boy he moved to Varanasi, where he trained under his uncle, Ali Bux, who played the shehnai at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Varanasi, the Ganga and its temples remained at the heart of his music all his life.
Career
Khan gained national fame through concerts and All India Radio. On the eve of independence in August 1947 he played at the Red Fort in Delhi. He also played on the first Republic Day in 1950.
Khan performed at major festivals around the world, including the Edinburgh Festival. He recorded jugalbandis (duets) with sitar and veena players and played the music for the film Goonj Uthi Shehnai (1959).
Personal Life and Death
A devout Shia Muslim, Khan also played at Hindu temples and saw music as a bridge between faiths. He lived simply in Varanasi with a large extended family and famously turned down offers to settle abroad, saying he could not leave the Ganga. He died in Varanasi on 21 August 2006 and was buried with state honours.
Awards and Honours
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Bismillah Khan born?
Bismillah Khan was born on 21 March 1916 in Dumraon, Bihar, India.
When did Bismillah Khan die?
Died: 21 August 2006, Varanasi (aged 90).
What honours has Bismillah Khan received?
Bharat Ratna (2001), Padma Vibhushan (1980).
