KHUSHIYAN - SHEHNAI FOR ALL OCCASSIONS BY SHAILESH BHAGWAT

Shehnai has been an integral part of Indian culture for centuries. Any special occasion, with or without auspicious ceremonies began with the Shehnai. So strong is the association between this instrument and festivities that the very word Shehnai has become synonymous with celebrations and happiness. In fact in several parts of the country even today the temples resonate with the sound of the Shenai in the early hours of morning, to awaken the deities. A small wind instrument, Shehnai looks somewhat similar to Oboe, but instead of furnished keys as in Oboe, it has seven open holes. The player closes or opens these holes with his fingers, as he blows, to create the desired melody. Naturally, it requires tremendous finger dexterity and great lungpower, as well as breath control to be able to play the Shehnai well. Thanks to the untiring efforts of the world-renowned maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan, Shehnai today is a well-established instrument on the concert platform. Ninaad Music considers it a privilege to present "Khushiyan" by Shailesh Bhagwat, one of the foremost disciples of the Ustad. Shailesh's training in the art of playing Shehnai began under Pt. Aurangabadkar at the holy shrine of Shri Kotineshwar Temple. Further grooming under Pt. Maruti patil followed this till he was accepted as a disciple by Ustad Bismillah Khan himself about three decades ago. Today Shailesh is among the well-known Shehnai players. His remarkable breath control and keen sense of aesthetics give an impressive depth and range to his recitals. He balances the technical knowledge with the emotional aspect of the melody to create the right impact. Naturally, he has performed not just across India, but even in other parts of the world, enlivening the concerts with an instrument that brings happiness to all.