In 1947, when India was about to become independent, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru wanted Bismillah Khan to play the Shehnai on this occasion. Joint Secretary Badruddin Tayyabji, who was looking after the arrangements for the Independence Day celebrations, was given the responsibility to find Khan Saheb and invite him to Delhi. Bismillah Khan and his companions welcomed the first morning of independence by playing Raag ‘Kaafi’. Before Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the flag of independence at the Red Fort, Ustad Bismillah Khan made the entire atmosphere joyful by playing the Shehnai.
When Bismillah Khan came on the call of Pandit Nehru, he played the joyous raga ‘Kaafi’ on the Shehnai
