Which Bihar-born musician who popularized the shehnai was given the award in 2001?

Ustad Bismillah Khan almost single-handedly popularised the shahnai as a classical instrument. He had won a number of awards including Bharat Ratna (2001), Padma Vibhushan (1980), Padma Bhushan (1968), Padma Shri (1961), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1956) among several others.

Ustad Bismillah Khan was popular not only in India but across the globe. It can almost be said safely that he and his shehnai were almost synonyms to each other. He had also performed on the eve of India’s first Republic day on January 26 1950. The great maestro passed away on August 21, 2006, in Varanasi following cardiac arrest.

His Independence Day recitals became a part of the cultural celebrations; and were telecast live by Doordarshan, the official national TV network; after the speech of the Prime Minister at Red Fort.

 

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