Shamsuddin Faridi Desai

Shamsuddin Faridi Desai (aka Ustad Shamsuddin Faridi Desai) was an Indian classical musician who played the Rudra Veena.

Training
Shamsuddin Faridi Desai studied Rudra Veena with his father, Mohammad Faridi Desai, who was a court musician in Gujarat.

After the death of his father, Shamsuddin studied with Maharana Jaswant Singh and Ustad Ghulam Qadi.

Style
Dhrupad. Gauharbani, founded by Gopal Nayak. The fountainhead of Shamsuddin's lineage is Bande Ali Khan.

Career
1957–1959: Broadcasts from Ahmedabad radio station.

1959–1997: National Orchestra of All India Radio, Delhi.

Teaching
Shamsuddin Faridi Desai taught Rudra Veena to his sons, Zahid Khan Faridi Desai (Maula Ka Baqsha Hua), Nasir Khan Faridi Desai, and Miya Rahman Desai. He also taught some Western students, including David Elkabir. Shamsuddin taught both Khyal baaj and Dhrupad baaj.

Discography

 * Makar MAKCD 040 2002 - The Tradition of Dhrupad on Been. Ustad Shamsuddin Faridi. Khandarbani. Rag Yaman and Rag Komal Rishabh Asavari.
 * India Archive Music IAM CD1078 2005 - Shamsuddin Faridi Desai - Rudra Bin. Raga Puriya.  Recorded on February 19, 1994.

Videography

 * Ustad Shamsuddin Faridi- Tradition of Dhrupad on Been - Khandarbani - Makar - MAKCD040 - 2002
 * Shamsuddin Faridi Desai - Dhrupad- Raga Puriya
 * Shamsuddin Faridi Desai - Dhrupad - Raga Darbari Kanada - All India Radio National Program 3. 3. 2001
 * Shamsuddin Faridi Desai - Dhrupad - Raga Bhupali - An All India Radio Program 2001

Death
Shamsuddin Faridi Desai died on August 16, 2011, in Delhi, India.