Meeting a Milestone (Sangemeel Se Mulaqat) - Goutam Ghose (1989)

The film captures the magic of Bismillah Khan's music: the Shehnai, and Bismillah Khan, the man his hometown, Benaras. We learn how Bismillah Khan, the phenomenon, gradually evolved from a 14-year-old boy accompanying his Mamu (uncle) and guru Nabi Baksh Khan at a concert in Allahabad to become, in course of time, one of India's all time greats. Through discussion, Bismillah Khan's music, singing and stunning visuals of his beloved Banaras, we realize that his main belief is that music is the supreme form of living; his abiding philosophical concern for the "Truth", his deep rooted religious convictions and his unshakable faith in the Supernatural. Through various gripping incidents and anecdotes, we go through the evolution of the Shehnai in Indian life and how Benaras is an integral part of his life and sensibility. For all lovers of Indian Music, Bismillah Khan and the Shehnai are one. It is truly meeting a milestone, for he occupies a unique place on the endless road of music.

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Director/Camera : Goutam Ghose
Cast : Ustad Bismillah Khan and Party
Produced by : NFDC

1989/ 90 Mins/ Urdu-Hindi/ Documentary

Festival Participation / Awards: Cairo International Film Festival Egypt, 1991/ Rotterdam Film Festival, Netherlands, 1991 / North South Media Meetings, Geneva, 1991