From correspondents in Delhi, India, 05:23 PM IST
Abhay Rustum Sopori, the internationally acclaimed Santoor Maestro and Music composer has been awarded the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademy’s first ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’ for the year 2006.
This award is been constituted this year only and shall be given to prominent personalities every year for their contribution and achievements in performing arts such as Music, Dance, Drama. This award consists of a cash prize of Rs.25,000 along with a citation. The award ceremony’s date has to be finalized by the Sangeet Natak Akademy.
Abhay Rustum is the youngest Santoor Player of India from Delhi born in beautiful valleys of Kashmir, in a musical environment and spiritual surroundings; he has been the torch bearer of the exclusive traditional Santoor family of the country. He is the son of Santoor Legend Pt. Bhajan Sopori. He learnt Santoor from Grand Father Pt. Shambhoo Nath Sopori and from his father. He has immense musical sense from traditional Sufiana Gharana. He also acquired knowledge of Western Classical Music to get a base for systematic compositional work.
Abhay has performed in so many concerts at national and international levels to spread the Indian music through his magic of Santoor. Opening-Strings, Shehjaar, Aao Kadam Badhayain, etc. are some of his innovations in the field of music.
Other artists who have been awarded the first ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar include Niladri Kumar (Sitar), Sandipan Samajpati & Manjari Kelkar (Vocal), A.A. Bhat (Direction), Rajinder Rozy (Acting) etc. Sangeet Natak Akadamy is the first Akademy which is established by Republic Inida as National academy for dance, music and drama to establish Indian Culture and Tradition.
Most Recent Comments
god bless abhay. he really deserves this award. varanasi resonates on his strings of santoor and his voice. ,,... but no mention when the award will be given. people can come and see.
raju (varanasi)
abhay sahab is an asset to the land of kashmir. a true son of the soil, he very well deserves such an honour. his selection in the 1st awardees and also from all over india is an honour for the kashmir's people. allah bless him
God bless abhay sopori
i think abhay ji is the best musician in his age group. and since he has been selected from all over india, is a great honour for abhay ji and his fans. i wish him all the best for his life. allah bless him
i saw mr sopori's recital performing for cancer foundation at delhi last year. as a music lover i knew this young boy will make a mark in the music world. this award which is the most inportant for musicians in india - - sengeet natak academy award is suerly a well deserved one for this great musician and an excellent person. i wish him lots such more awards and honors in coming future. god bless!
great work by mr. abhay rustum sopori. it is an honor for the whole music world that at such early age mr sopori has contributed to country. a great artiste indeed..BR
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