Bismillah Khan was greatest musician: PM

New Delhi, Aug 21 (UNI) Describing Bismillah Khan as one of the greatest musicians, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said he was joining millions of admirers across the world in mourning the death of the king of shehnai.

Acknowledging that it was a sad day for the world, Dr Singh said the passing away of the shehnai maestro had brought to an end the ''era of one of the greatest living musicians''.

Bismillah Khan was not only a musician but an embodiment of the country's composite culture which made the government to honour him with the highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, he said.

''Though he is no more with us, his legacy would survive and his ideas and ideals which inspired many a musician would continue to remain so for generations to come,'' the Prime Minister said.

The maestro died in Varanasi due to cardiac failure early today.

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