Distinguished Shehnai Maestro Ustad Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan passed away in Kolkata on Wednesday following prolonged illness. He was one of the acclaimed players of the instrument after the legendary Bismillah Khan.

Ustad Khan was suffering from kidney-related problems for a long time. He was hospitalized a few days back where he 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.

He was honored with Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contribution to Hindustani instrumental music.

Born in Kolkata on March 21, 1939, Ustad Khan, hailed from a family of renowned Shehnai exponents from Benaras. His grandfather Wazir Ali Khan was the first to demonstrate Indian classical music on shehnai at Buckingham Palace. He was known for his innovative style and mastery over the classical and semi-classical and folk music repertoire.

Considered 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 hospitalized. He had also played at the inauguration ceremony of Doordarshan in 1973.

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.

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