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 following prolonged illness. Suffering from kidney-related problems, he was hospitalised for the past few days. 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.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled his death.

Did You Know?

• 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.
• Khan had performed globally and was felicitated with the Bangabhushan award by the West Bengal government in 2012.