Bismillah Khan’s nephew to perform at Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

VARANASI - Organizers of the Commonwealth Games has invited Mumtaz Khan, nephew of legendary Shehnai player Ustad Bismillah Khan, to perform during the opening ceremony to be held on October 3.

Mumtaz Khan is all geared up to play the Shehnai since receiving the invitation in Varanasi.

“I have left everything from the household chores to children, relatives. Right now I have only two jobs to do. One is to take the name of Allah - to read the Namaz - and second is Riyaz (practice),” said Mumtaz Khan.

“As it is not a normal event, people from across the globe will be attending the event, so I need to prepare accordingly. It should be such that people listen to me but understand that Bismillah Khan is playing,” he added.

Renowned Indian classical singer Pandit Chhannulal Mishra has also been chosen to perform at the opening ceremony of the upcoming event.

India is expecting about two million tourists in New Delhi for the Games, as well as about 7,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states which will be held from 3 to 14 October in New Delhi. (ANI)