Kashi’s ‘Shehnai’ icon honoured, not erased: Museum to showcase Bismillah Khan’s legacy
Varanasi, November 7: Amidst misinformation about the demolition of the residence of ‘Bharat Ratna’ Ustad Bismillah Khan, a resident of Varanasi who brought fame to Kashi globally with the sound of his musical instrument ‘Shehnai’, Ustad Bismillah Khan’s grandson, Mohammad Sibtain, released a video on Saturday, stating that the news of the government demolishing Ustad Bismillah Khan’s residence is misleading. They are developing a museum in the room where Ustad Bismillah Khan used to practice Shehnai.
He said that this is not just a museum, but an effort to preserve Kashi’s cultural heritage, musical practice, and the invaluable memories of a great artist for future generations. Kashi knows how to preserve and respect its heritage.
Himanshu Nagpal, Municipal Commissioner of the Varanasi Municipal Corporation, stated that in honor of Kashi’s prominent figures, initiatives are underway to develop the paths leading to their residences based on their lives and works, and to develop a room in their residence as a museum. Discussions were held with the family of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan regarding the development of a museum at his residence, but they refused to agree.
Nagpal further told that the family, citing the building as dilapidated, expressed their desire to demolish and redevelop it on their own. Therefore, the family carried out the demolition of the building themselves. Since the Municipal Corporation did not receive consent in this regard, the civic body neither undertook the development of the museum nor played any role in the demolition process.
