Halwa and songs in Khan's last hours

New Delhi: Even hours before shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan passed away, he appeared cheerful and sang a couple of songs for the attending doctors.

On Sunday, the Bharat Ratna awardee was given solid food after he expressed a desire to eat home-cooked halwa.

President A P J Abdul Kalam, in a faxed message, had expressed concern over the ill-health of the nonagenarian and wished him speedy recovery.

Human Resource Develpment Minister Arjun Singh and BHU Vice-Chancellor Panjab Singh had also visited the hospital and enquired after Khan's health.

The Minister discussed Khan's desire to perform at the India Gate, to which the artiste said that it was his last wish and would be fulfilled if God willed so.

But fate did not allow the maestro to fulfill his last wish.