'Yade Bismillah' to immortalise shehnai maestro

Varanasi, Jan 30 (UNI) A 45-minute docu-drama 'Yade Bismillah' immortalising shehnai king Ustad Bismillah Khan will be screened in New Delhi on March 21 on the 91st birthday of the music legend, who passed away here on August 21 last.

Directed by critically acclaimed Dr Subhankar Ghosh, 'Yade Bismillah' will relive the illustrious life of Khan Sahib, from his birth in Dumraon (Bihar), his first musical concert at the age of 12 to the moment to when he breathed last at his Sarai Harha residence, Khan Sahib's foster-daughter and noted vocalist of Banaras Gharana Soma Ghosh said here this evening.

Subhankar ghosh is the husband of Soma.

''The docu-drama, first of its kind on Baba (Khan Sahib) will comprise original visuals of the music maestro videographed by me, besides artists from Varanasi playing the role of child and young Bismillah,'' Dr Ghosh added.

The docu-drama, which is in the final stages, will also embody a memorable recital of 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' by seven living legends of Indian classical music, including Padma Vibhushan Girija Devi, violinist par excellence Dr N Rajam, Carnatic music stalwart Balmuralikrishna, Hindustani classical singer Begum Parveen Sultana and Dr Ghosh herself.

The docu-drama will be screened in New Delhi before a large audience, which will include, among others, Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Ms Gandhi had recently released 'Hori' and 'Kajri' -- twin music albums of Dr Ghosh -- in the national capital last Saturday.

UNI