A born musician, performed in Bollywood movies, on international stage
MANDI: Surajmani, a celebrated shehnai maestro from Himachal Pradesh, passed away at the age of 65 after a prolonged illness.
Known as the “Ustad Bismillah Khan” of Himachal, Surajmani was an icon in Indian folk music, captivating audiences across India and abroad with the soulful tunes of his shehnai. His demise marks the end of an era, leaving a deep void in the world of traditional music.
Surajmani had been battling illness for some time and breathed his last at AIIMS-Bilaspur. He is survived by his wife and two sons. His passing has sent waves of sorrow across the state as people remember the man whose music was deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Himachal Pradesh.
Lifetime of music
Hailing from Chachyot tehsil in Mandi district, Surajmani was a born musician, picking up the art of playing the shehnai at the tender age of 15. His early influences came from his mother, Marchi Devi, a talented dholak player and singer, and his uncle, Guju Ram, a respected music teacher. With their guidance, Surajmani mastered the art of shehnai, eventually becoming one of the most prominent figures in the field.
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Despite only receiving formal education up to the third grade, Surajmani’s dedication to preserving and promoting folk music and shehnai playing never wavered. His performances, often referred to as divinely inspired, were a regular feature at international and state-level cultural events in Himachal Pradesh.
Legend on international stage
Surajmani’s talent wasn’t confined to his home state. His performances took him to international platforms, including a notable appearance in the United States where he performed before a large gathering of Indian diaspora, earning him admiration from fans abroad.
He also collaborated with Bollywood, lending his shehnai melodies to Sunny Deol’s film ‘Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas’. After hearing Surajmani play, Deol personally invited him to contribute to the movie’s soundtrack, a testament to his immense talent.
Integral to Himachal’s cultural legacy
In Himachal Pradesh, no significant cultural event felt complete without the stirring notes of Surajmani’s shehnai. His performances at local fairs and festivals were considered auspicious, believed to carry the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. For years, his shehnai heralded the beginning of these events, and his music has become inseparable from the cultural identity of the state.
Surajmani’s contributions to over 4,000 folk songs, his dedication to preserving Himachal Pradesh’s musical heritage and his deep connection to the state’s cultural traditions earned him the status of a living legend. His performances not only delighted audiences but also ensured that the rich legacy of traditional music would continue to thrive for future generations.
Void in world of traditional music
With his passing, Himachal Pradesh has lost a musical giant. Surajmani’s shehnai, which once filled the air with melody, will now remain silent. However, his music will forever resonate in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to hear him play.
As tributes pour in from across the country, Surajmani’s legacy as the “Ustad Bismillah Khan of Himachal Pradesh” will live on, ensuring his place in the annals of India’s music al history.
