Miya Shamsuddin Faridi Desai passes away in Delhi

Miya Shamsuddin Faridi Desai, amongst the last surviving Beenkars, passed away in Delhi at 10:00 am IST on August 16, 2011 after a brief illness. He was the son and disciple of Ustad Mohammad Khan Faridi Desai, a prominent Beenkar of yesteryears, associated with several princely states of Gujarat.

Miya Shamsuddin served a major part of his life as a Been and Sitar player with the All India Radio Orchestra, and acquired an international following as a Beenkar after his retirement. His CDs of Been performances have been published by Makar Records, France, and India Archive Music Ltd., New York