Shehnai exponent Ustad Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan dies

Eminent shehnai exponent Ustad Ali Ahmad Hussain Khan, one of the best-known players of the instrument after the legendary Bismillah Khan, passed away on Wednesday following prolonged illness.

Suffering from kidney related problems, he was hospitalised for the past few days and breathed his last this morning, family members said. He was 77 and is survived by his five sons, five daughters and a number of grandchildren. Representing the Benaras school of Shehnai music, he was felicitated with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2009 for his contribution to Hindustani instrumental music. 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.