Bholanath Prasanna Biography 
Bholanath Prasanna is an Indian flautist from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Many of the members of Prasanna family are renowned musicians, holding centuries’ old tradition. His father Gauri Shanker was a shehnai player and flute was introduced to his family by his elder brother Raghunath Prasanna. Raghunath trained his younger brother with his newly developed techniques and later Bholanath Prasanna followed his style. His brother Vishnu Prasanna, nephews - Rajendra Prasanna, Ravi Shankar Prasanna and Rakesh Prasanna and grandnephews - Rishab Prasanna and Rajesh Prasanna are also performers of flute in Hindustani style. He is the guru of renowned musician and celebrated flautist Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia, and is credited to introducing him to this musical instrument, when he has already begun lessons in Hindustani vocals.
Bholanath Prasanna was born into a family of Shehnai players in Varanasi, who shifted to Delhi in the 1970s. His family has been associated with classical music for many generations, and traditionally played shehnai. His elder brother Raghunath Prasanna was the first person from his family to play flute and he also trained Bholanath Prasanna with his distinct style and techniques. He continued learning music under Thumri Samrat Pt. Mahadev Prasad Mishra of Varanasi.
Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia and his nephew Pt. Rajendra Prasanna are among his renowned disciples who went on to become celebrated stars in Bansuri. Unlike many Indian musicians who were born in muscial families, Hariprasad Chaurasia was the son of a wrestler. He got interested in music and began learning classical vocal music secretly from his neighbour at the age of 15. Quite co-incidence he met Pandit Bholanath Prasanna, got deeply influenced by his music and began learning to play the flute under his guidance. Later he went on to become the most celebrated flautist of the country.
Published: October 30, 2018
Updated: October 30, 2018
