ISLAMABAD: With the Dastarbandi of the Bakhshi brothers, senior artists launched them on a path to carry forward the legacy of their late father, famous tabla player Mohammad Ajmal Khan.

The tabla player passed away after suffering a heart attack. He was 62. Born in Multan in 1957, Ajmal Khan started playing the tabla at the age of 12. Renowned Qawwals Bakhshi and Salamat were his father and uncle. Ajmal Khan is survived by his widow, two sons and a daughter.

Respected Bharatnatyam performer Indu Mitha did the honour of leading the Dastarbandi of his sons, Sherry Bakhshi and Yawar Bakhshi.

The two brothers then performed before a packed auditorium comprising music lovers, friends, fans and the family of the late tabla player.

“More than your praises we need your prayers. Wish us well so that we can carry forward the responsibility and the legacy of our later father,” Yawar Bakhshi told the audience.

Their performance was also a tribute to members in the audience who had given their father the love and respect he deserved.

In their brief performance, Yawar Bakhshi on harmonium and Sherry Bakhshi on tabla took music lovers on a journey which was harmoniously rich, appealing in virtuosity and revealing their best qualities.

Before the Dastarbandi, an hour-long video was played which carried condolence messages from friends of Mohammad Ajmal from around the world.

Qawwals, tabla players, singers, instrumental artists and music producers from the US, Australia, Hungary and Denmark to mention a few paid their tributes to Mohammad Ajmal Khan and recalled the good times of collaborating with the late tabla player at concerts and tours.

“He was the finest tabla player of the Punjabi tradition. It is amazing to know what all he did for the art form of tabla,” said Mathew Mcgraw, who was a student of Mohammad Ajmal.

Another artist from Hungary recalled how Ajmal Khan contributed to her growth and music capabilities.

Some of the kindest words came from Adnan Sami Khan who recalled the days when they performed in concerts and PTV.The video included small clips of most of his performances with legendary artists.

Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) Director General Fouzia Saeed said this was not the way she had conceived a programme with Mohammad Ajmal.

“I had thought of doing a programme with him on stage, performing for the audience,” Fouzia Saeed added.

Other artists and producers who remembered performing with Ajmal Khan also spoke at the Dastarbandi ceremony included Indu Mitha and TV producer Najamul Hassan.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2020