Ustad Bismillah Khan passes away

Varanasi, Aug 21: Shehnai legend and Baharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan died here in a private hospital early today.

He was 90 years old.

According to the family sources the maestro died due to severe cardiac arrest at 0245 hrs at the Heritage hospital.

He was admitted to the hospital on August 17 for treatment of Electrolyte imbalance, sources said.

The hospital authorities had even discussed of discharging him in three to four days as he was improving day by day. But his health deteriorated after midnight and he died of heart attack, they added.

The body has been taken to his residence at Harh Sarai in the city. The funeral is likely to take place in the evening.

Some top political leaders of the country are expected to attend the last rites.

Born on March 21, 1916 in Dumraon (Bihar) Ustad Bismillah Khan was conffered with the nation's highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna on May 4 2001.

UNI

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