‘Bansuri’ maestro Mujtaba Hussain preserving old Indian classical music

Flute maestro Mujtaba Hussain is dedicated to preserving the timeless tradition of classical music through his exceptional mastery of the flute.

With over four decades of experience and performances in over 450 films, including the iconic Ramayana serial, Hussain has become a celebrated figure in the Indian music scene. Honoured with prestigious awards such as the Ustad Bismillah Khan Award, he continues to bridge cultural and religious boundaries by his devotion to Lord Krishna with his love and passion for ‘bansuri’ (flute).

Hussain belongs to the Muslim faith, but his deep connection with Lord Krishna and his exceptional talent in playing the flute has earned him recognition across India.

He claimed that perhaps their family was the only Muslim one playing ‘bansuri’ during that era. He was born on November 4, 1972, into a family dedicated to music. His father and uncle had trained him. He expressed his respect towards his ‘guru ji’ and exhorted the youth to respect their ‘gurujans’ (teachers).

Hussain shared insights into his journey. “I come from a family that has been playing the flute for generations. My uncle was the first in our family to introduce the flute, and I am carrying forward that tradition. I follow the ancient ‘guru-shishya’ (teacher-student) tradition and believe in keeping it alive. I started playing the flute at the age of six or seven and gave my first performance when I was just 11 years old. Since then, my journey has been continuous, and I have no desire to reach a final destination. I want to remain a traveller in this musical journey as long as it lasts,” said Hussain, who was at Ved Vidya Sansthan Gurukulam Nalvikhurd in the district on Sunday to attend a ‘Yuva Sanatan Sansad’.

Currently working at the Department of Dance at Punjabi University, Hussain emphasised the spiritual significance of music in his life. “Music is the simplest way to connect with the divine. When you immerse yourself in it, it transcends all barriers — whether Hindu, Muslim, or anything else. For me, humanity is above all, and I cherish the love I receive from people of all faiths across the world.”

Hussain, who is a devotee of Lord Krishna, said, “For me, Krishna symbolises the flute. If you wish to play the flute, you must imbibe his virtues. Krishna’s presence was such that when he played the flute, everything would come to a standstill. I feel blessed by his grace, as whenever I practice the flute, it has the same effect on those who listen.”

His art has been showcased in many films such as Gadar, Veer-Zaara, Kal Ho Naa Ho and Virasat, among others.