RS condoles death of Tabla Maestro Kishan Maharaj

New Delhi, May 6 (UNI) The Rajya Sabha today condoled the death of eminent Tabla Maestro Kishan Maharaj, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 84 years.

In his obituary reference to Kishan Maharaj as the House began proceedings for the day, Chairman Hamid Ansari described him as ''one of the most popular and cherished tabla players of his time''.

''Pandit Kishan Maharaj had the ability to play cross rythms, particularly in 'tihai' patterns which made him one of the most popular and cherished tabla players of his time.

''Pandit Kishan Maharaj had the distinction of playing any kind of accompaniment, be it the sitar, sarod, dhrupad, dhamar or dance. His enthralling solo concerts and 'jugalbandis' with accomplished artists would be long remembered,'' the Chairman said.

''In the passing away of Pandit Kishan Maharaj, the music world has lost one of the greatest tabla maestros of our time,'' he said.

The House observed two minutes of silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed.

Mr Ansari said the Secretary General would convey to the members of the bereaved family the sense of profound sorrow and deep sympathy.

The Tabla Maestro died in Varanasi after a heart attack.

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