Bismillah Khan (Shahnai Maestro)

Click to buy a higher resolution

 So here I am with my next post. A post with a sketch of Shahnai Maestro 'Ustad Bismillah Khan'. Initially he was known with the name 'Qamaruddin'. Later on his Grand father's will, his name was kept 'Bismillah'. 'Bismillah' and his instrument 'Shahnai', both were coupled like moon and moonlight. He only brought this instrument into influence in classical music. For his incredible contribution to Indian classical music he was awarded 'Bharat Ratna', a highest civilian honor in India, in 2001. 'Shahnai' is an instrument which reflects happiness and sorrow in a very distinct manner, can be identified very easily by anyone. And he was the master of this art. He sometimes used to ask people, what do you want tears in your eyes or a lovely smile on your face and the result also used to be as asked. That effective, his performance used to be always. He concentrated only on 'Shahnai' and played for almost 8 decades.

While sketching him I also wanted the same effectiveness in his sketch. You could see his expressions while playing 'Shahnai'. Hope I could draw my imagination on sheet. He wrote his name in Golden Letters in Hindustani classical music and I wrote his name in my sketch in gold like beautiful shiny language 'Urdu', his mother tongue. He passed away in 2006 but he is still living in millions of people all around the world. Though we all have to leave this world one day, a only truth of life but his soul is immortal and can be felt in his music today too. I composed a poetry on this life's phenomena sometime ago. Sharing you few lines from the same below:

"ना रहता कोई निशाँ इंसानों का धरा पर, बस रह जाता उनकी यादों का बसेरा है

अन्धकार के नौ माह, प्रकाश में जीवन उतार चढाव के संग, फिर वही अँधेरा है "

I might give an update on my next music album in my next post. Till then good bye. May God bless you all !

Best Regards to All My Loved Ones,

Atul Ojhal

Lata Mangeshkar (Maa Saraswati on Earth)

Click to buy a higher resolution

So..here is the first post of this year. I had few more options to post with. But I thought of starting this year with Maa Saraswati only. You guys very well know whom I am referring to ! None another than Bollywood Melody Queen Sur Kokila Sri Lata Mangeshakar Ji. She is very well known in India and won Bharat Ratna in 2001 for her tremendous incredible contribution in Hindi Cinema as a playback singer. Lots of information available on her at bunch of sites and in books as well. So, not indulging myself into providing the same.

Actually, this sketch I drew almost a year ago and decided to gift her. I had got the appointment also but at the eleventh hour It could not happen. She had already left to her village when I reached her house in Mumbai. I think my hard luck. There is each and every moment of our lives decided by almighty. So no worries. If it has been written in destiny, I will meet and get her blessings too! As I shared with you all earlier, her sketch had been the most attractive and most demanding art in my first art show, happened couple of months back in Bangalore.

I have not done any new sketch for couple of weeks since I am not getting enough time for the same. Nowadays more focused on music side. Probably in next post, I could share with you all some more updates on my music. Its difficult to work on times when expectations are more from you. You start feeling pressure. But assertively, that's the actual strength which is supporting us, encouraging us to do more and alarming for heeding our objectives.

We lost a great personality, incomparable singer, maestro of classical singing Bharat Ratna Pandit Sri Bhimsen Joshi Ji on 24th of this month. This news spreaded everywhere like a fire in a jungle and whole nation fell in a deep sorrow. May his soul rest in eternal peace ! I approached him last year to gift his portrait. But because of his prolonged illness, could not get a chance to make this happen. I think his blessings was not in my destiny. Anyway, he is no more with us physically, but yes, he is still alive in his songs ! One of his most popular songs, "Mile Sur Mera Tumhara...." will always keep resonating in everyones ears for years.

You all are my energy, my inspiration, my motivation and what could I say more...I think you all are cause to live this life and your invaluable support has made this life more beautiful. My religion is now entertaining you all, with all, what all God has blessed me with ! Keep blessing and wishing me my dearest ones ! My best wishes with you all too !

Your comments are most welcome on her sketch !

Best Regards to all,

Atul Ojhal

PS> If you are willing to buy this art, please click here.