Flute virtuoso Mujtaba Hussain is committed to safeguarding the rich tradition of classical music through his extraordinary skill with the bansuri.
With more than 40 years of experience and contributions to over 450 films, including the renowned Ramayana serial, Hussain has become a prominent figure in the Indian music landscape. He has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Award, and continues to bridge cultural and religious divides through his devotion to Lord Krishna and his passion for the bansuri.
Although Hussain is of the Muslim faith, his deep connection to Lord Krishna and his remarkable flute-playing abilities have garnered him recognition throughout India. He noted that his family may have been the only Muslim household playing the bansuri during his youth. Born on November 4, 1972, into a musically inclined family, he was trained by his father and uncle. He expressed gratitude to his guru and encouraged young musicians to respect their teachers.
Reflecting on his musical journey, Hussain stated, “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 traveler in this musical journey as long as it lasts.” He shared these insights while attending the ‘Yuva Sanatan Sansad’ at Ved Vidya Sansthan Gurukulam Nalvikhurd in the district on Sunday.
Currently a member of the Department of Dance at Punjabi University, Hussain highlighted 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.”
As a devotee of Lord Krishna, Hussain remarked, “For me, Krishna symbolizes 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 artistry has been featured in numerous films, including Gadar, Veer-Zaara, Kal Ho Naa Ho, and Virasat, among others.
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