Ustad Phuljhuri Khan was a tabla and esraj player from Bangladesh.
Background
Ustad Phuljhuri Khan was born in 1920 in Beetgarh, British India, now under Nabinagar Upazila (sub-district), Brahmanbaria District, Bangladesh. He was the eldest son of Latif Rasul Khan and Begum Kamala-un-nesa. His mother was the eldest daughter of Fakir (Saint) Aftabuddin Khan, who was the elder brother of Ustad Alauddin Khan, and Ustad Ayet Ali Khan.
Career
From his maternal side, he belongs to the noted family of Ustad (Maestro) Alauddin Khan, the world reputed Maestro of Seni-Maihar and Alauddin Gharana of Indian classical music Ustad Phuljhuri Khan learnt tabla from his maternal grand father Fakir (Saint) Aftabuddin Khan in his boyhood. Then he went to Maihar state of India (currently under Madhya Pradesh) to learn tabla from Ustad Alauddin Khan, where Alauddin Khan was the state musician.
He received Talim (interactive training) in tabla from him for eight years.
Maharaja of Maiher was captivated by his delicate, supple, yet firm strumming on tabla during a performance and bestowed on him the title "Phuljhuri" (which means fireworks that emit starry sparks). Gradually he became more renowned as Phuljhuri Khan.
He later joined famous Maihar Orchestra and used to accompany Ustad Alauddin Khan with tabla. He joined Ustad Allauddin Khan in distinguished "Lucknow Conference" several times.
He returned to his village home and received Talim in esraj from Ustad Ayet Ali Khan (Aftabuddin Khan"s youngest brother) for five years.
He had memorable performance on esraj in the drama Chitrangada. He has established a music school in Shilong. He joined Radio Pakistan and then Radio Bangladesh, Dhaka as staff artiste from 1949 - 1975.
He also played esraj for many films, television, stage and discs.
The notable names of the films include Aakash ar Mati (The Sky and the Earth), Mukh o Mukhosh (Face and Mask), Rajdhanir Bukey (In the Heart of the Capital City), Natun Sur (New Tune), Surya Snan (Sun Bath), and Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse).
Membership
He travelled many countries as a member of Udayshankar Ballet Troupe, where he played tabla, pakhawaj, and esraj.