"Bismillah Hotel" closed

Monday, August 21, 2006

Varanasi (UNI): The demise of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan not only symbolises the end of a golden era of Indian classical music but also marks the closure of 'Bismillah Hotel' for destitutes. The youngest son-in-law, Abul Hassan, while describing Khan Sahib as the lone breadwinner for a family of 66, nomenclates him as 'Bismillah Hotel', which not only provided succour to his family, but also to the impoverished lot and destitutes, who came to him for food. '' Bismillah Hotel is closed forever,'' said Abul with tears running down his cheeks.

''Apart from providing succour to his family, comprising five sons and three daughters and their offspring, his house in Harha Sarai was often flocked to by the impoverished for food, leading to Khan Sahib being termed Bismillah Hotel,'' the husband the of youngest daughter Kamiz Fatima said. Mr Abul also hoped the legacy of Khan Sahib will be best furthered by his three sons -- Naiyar Hussain (68), Zamin Hussain (58), both shehnai players, and youngest son Nazim, a tabla player.

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