Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan, who was conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2001, is upset with the government for ignoring him and has urged that all the financial promises made to him be redeemed.

The nonagenarian musician has asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to release all outstanding financial dues pending "since 1961" so that he could take care of his needs in his old age.

The visibly upset maestro stated this while autographing the cover page of a book on him, compiled and edited by a journalist couple, at his dilapidated house in Varanasi last week.

With tears in his eyes, the ailing musician said: "Mujhey yaad nahin hai ke kisne kya kaha tha aur kya ummid dilaye thi, lekin agar mere marney se pahley Bharat sarkar ek rupiya bhi de deti to shayad mujhey sukun milta. (I don't remember who promised what, but before I die if the Indian government gives me even one rupee then it will give me mental peace)."

Delhi-based journalist couple Neena Jha and Shivnath Jha, who got the great musician to autograph the book, also presented him two shawls and Rs.20,000 cash to buy medicine. Khan has also received the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.