Nation prays for Bismillah Khan

New Delhi, Aug 17 (UNI) Musicians, singers, Bollywood actors and music lovers across the country today wished a quick recovery for ailing Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan.

Lata Mangeshkar, 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.

''We appeal to the people and music lovers to pray for his good health and early recovery,'' said melody queen Mangeshkar.

Sheikh said the entire world was with the Ustad who symbolises the best of the Hindustani 'parampara'.

''I am confident that he will fulfil his lifetime desire to perform at India Gate,'' said Sheikh. The Union Home Ministry had given its nod for the concert at the India Gate before it was postponed due to security reasons.

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

''India prays for his good health,'' said actor Rahul Bose.

The 92-year-old maestro has been put on a fluid diet by his family doctor after he complained of weakness.

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