Bismillah Khan admitted to hospital, music lovers wish him health

Varanasi, Aug 17 (UNI) Ailing shehnai wizard Ustad Bismillah Khan was admitted to a private hospital here today for treatment, where doctors said his condition was stable, although his liver was not functioning normally.

Musicians, singers, Bollywood actors and music lovers across the country wished the maestro a quick recovery.

The 92-year-old shehnai maestro was shifted this morning from his Harha Sarai residence to the Heritage Hospital in Lanka area, after he agreed to District Magistrate Rajiv Agrawal's request last evening for shifting him to a premier hospital in the city for advanced health care, his secretary S Javed told UNI here.

The family doctor M M Jafri, who had been treating the ailing musician for the last many years, said that shifting Khan Sahib to the premier hospital would certainly help in his treatment.

Hospital vice-chairman Siddharth Rai told newspersons here this afternoon, the condition of Khan Sahib, admitted at the intensive care unit (ICU), was stable and under control.

''All his vital parameters are normal, but the higher bilirubin factor suggest his liver is not functioning normally. Preliminary tests have revealed his bilirubin factor stood at 2.3 against the normal of 1.3. More tests including a liver ultrasound will be conducted soon to reach to a final conclusion,'' he added.

A team of doctors led by nephrologist D K Sinha and cardiologist A K Pandey is treating Khan Sahib.

Dr Rai said Khan Sahib was admitted to the hospital at 0915 hrs today, largely owing to electrolyte imbalance actuated by his inability to take food orally for the last 15 days. His blood pressure was normal.

A colour doppler test will be carried out to gauge the status of the shehnai wizard's heart.

The Hospital Vice Chairman also clarified Khan Sahib was talking, though in monosyllables, and there was no need to put him on life support system.

Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar, actors Farouque Sheikh, Rahul Bose and the Ravi Shankar Foundation were among those who appealed to the people to pray for an early recovery of Khan.

The family of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan also appealed to the people to pray for the maestro.

Union HRD minister Arjun Singh and BJP president Rajnath Singh rang up the family of the ailing legend to enquire about his condition and wish him a speedy recovery.

Students of a local Gurukul here offered special prayers to Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman for the Ustad's early recovery.

The students under the guidance of Ram Janaki Temple Mahant Ramkamal Das Vedanti performed prayers of Hanuman Chalisa, Ram Raksha Snot and Shanti Path for early recovery of the bed-ridden musical icon.

UNI TEAM VD RN1923