I am a musically challenged individual. I have never been able to understand the subtle nuances in the musical compositions. I am not a competent person to comment on the music produced by individuals all around the world. However, even I could not let the death of one of the stars of Indian classical music go unnoticed.

One of the most high profile musicians of India, Shehnai maestro, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Bharat Ratna, passed away today. I have grown up hearing his music being played on the television and in our house. My ma will be heartbroken. I remember how my ma used to proudly proclaim that Ustadji is from Benares - the city of our forefathers. She felt a sense of kinship with him because of Varanasi.

He was the third musician from the classical music traditions of India to be awarded Bharat Ratna. This itself speaks about the achievements of this humble man who refused to move away from Varanasi despite fame. He will be sorely missed in the cultural pantheon of India. It is a sad day for all of us.