Rahman pays homage to Ustad Bismillah Khan with 'Raanjhanaa' by using the shehnai in all the film's songs

A R Rahman has been one of the most influential musicians in recent history. Not only India, even the world recognises his music. But he always likes to return to his roots and this time around, he is going back to Ustad Bismillah Khan -- the Bharat Ratna-awarded shehnai player from Benaras who passed away in 2006.

The film's director Aanand L Rai says, `When Rahman sir heard that the script is intrinsic of Benaras flavour, thoughts of Ustad Bismillah Khan immediately came to his mind and it was then that he suggested using elements of shehnai in Raanjhanaa in honour of the music maestro. Rahman sir holds Bismillah Khan in high regards and has even met his family.`


Ustad Bismillah Khan

Not only that, in fact Rahman is also presenting a documentary made on Ustad saab produced by Nasreen Munni Kabir. Rahman had also got the opportunity to work with Khan saab for a Tamil film some years ago where he spent an entire day with him.