Pt Kishan Maharaj to quit tabla playing

Varanasi, Mar 19 (UNI) Eminent tabla maestro Padma Vibhushan receiver Pt Kishan Maharaj has decided to quit playing tabla.

Speaking at an inauguration function of 'Pt Damodar Mishra Sanskritik Kendra' here last night, Pt Kishan Maharaj said ''I would now play tabla only two times. First at the dias of the new kendra today and another at the residence of a woman disciple, whom I treat as my daughter.'' The 85 years old tabla maestro revealed he had been playing tabla since the age of eight years and had performed with prominent artists.

Pt Maharaj said his right hand has become week after the recent illness.

On the occasion he was also honoured with '' Sangeet Maharshi '' degree.

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