Ustad's shehnai echoed in AP too

Hyderabad, Aug 21 (UNI) Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan had a long association with Andhra Pradesh, particularly Hyderabad, a city fond of Hindustani music.

Even a Telugu film was made based entirely on the Ustad's rendition of the shehnai.

'Sannayi Appanna,' a film featuring Shobhan Babu, was based on the life of a poor shehnai player, very much reflecting the life of the maestro himself. Bismillah Khan rendered shehnai pieces for the movie.

Shobhan Babu wanted to help fellow actor and producer Chalam, who was in financial trouble, and offered to play the role portrayed by Raj Kumar in Kannada film 'Sanadi Appanna,' as it was a huge hit.

Chalam not only bought the rights of the film but also the sound track of the Ustad's shehnai renditions.

The Ustad's musical pieces have been used in several films during marriage scenes. He gave numerous performances not only at Hyderabad but also in cultural centres like Kakinada, Vijayawada and Tenali.

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