UNI
Varanasi, Aug 21: 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.
Abul Hassan, Khan’s youngest son-in-law, while describing Khan Sahib as the lone breadwinner for a family of 66, called him 'Bismillah Hotel'—for not only providing succour to his family, but also to the impoverished 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 by the impoverished for food, leading to Khan Sahib being termed Bismillah Hotel," the husband the youngest daughter, Kamiz Fatima, said.
Abul also hoped the legacy of Khan Sahib would be best furthered by his three sons - Naiyar Hussain (68), Zamin Hussain (58), both shehnai players, and youngest son Nazim, a tabla player.