Tributes paid to tabla player Ajmal Khan.

Byline: Jamal Shahid

ISLAMABAD -- With the Dastarbandi of the Bakhshi brothers, senior artists launched them on a path to carry forward the legacy of their late father, famous tabla player Mohammad Ajmal Khan.

The tabla player passed away after suffering a heart attack. He was 62. Born in Multan in 1957, Ajmal Khan started playing the tabla at the age of 12. Renowned Qawwals Bakhshi and Salamat were his father and uncle. Ajmal Khan is survived by his widow, two sons and a daughter.

Respected Bharatnatyam performer Indu Mitha did the honour of leading the Dastarbandi of his sons, Sherry Bakhshi and Yawar Bakhshi.

The two brothers then performed before a packed auditorium comprising music lovers, friends, fans and the family of the late tabla player.

'More than your praises we need your prayers. Wish us well so that we can carry forward the responsibility and the legacy of our later father,' Yawar Bakhshi told the audience.

Their performance was also a tribute to members in the audience who had given their father the love and respect he deserved.

In their brief performance, Yawar Bakhshi on harmonium and Sherry Bakhshi on tabla took music lovers on a journey which was harmoniously rich, appealing in virtuosity and revealing their best qualities.

Before the Dastarbandi, an hour-long video was played which carried condolence messages from friends of Mohammad Ajmal from around the world.

Qawwals, tabla players, singers, instrumental artists and music producers from the US, Australia, Hungary and...