Eminent Shehnai exponent Ustad Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan, one of the best-known players of the instrument after the legendary Bismillah Khan, passed away in Kolkata on Wednesday following prolonged illness.
Suffering from kidney-related problems, he was hospitalised for the past few days and breathed his last on Wednesday morning, family members said.
He was 77 and is survived by his five sons, five daughters and a number of grandchildren.
Ustad Khan was felicitated with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contribution to Hindustani instrumental music.
He hailed from a family of renowned Shehnai exponents from Benaras and was known for his innovative style and mastery over the classical and semi-classical and folk music repertoire.
The musician had also played at the inauguration ceremony of Doordarshan in 1973.
A top-graded artiste of All India Radio, Ustad Khan also used to teach in the ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata and was active before he got hospitalised.
In 2012, he was felicitated with the ‘Bangabhushan’ award by the West Bengal government.
“His death is an irreparable loss in classical music. I pray for peace to the departed soul. I convey my deep condolences to the family,” Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a message.
