V P Singh condoles Bismillah Khan's death

New Delhi, Aug 21 (UNI) Former Prime Minister V P Singh today paid glowing tributes to Ustad Bismillah Khan, saying he gave respectability and stature to Shehnai to the extent that ''the maestro and the musical instrument had become synonymous with each other''.

Terming his death as ''an irreparable loss not only to the world of music but also to the entire Indian society,'' Mr Singh said his life would continue to inspire people.

''Ustad Bismillah Khan Saheb will rank among the immortal musicians of the country. He proved that even in the face of tremendous odds, one could become a great musician,'' he said, adding that no honour or award could match his towering personality.

In his condolence message, he said he was with the bereaved members of the family in this ''hour of terrible loss''.

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