We Found A Shop In Kolkata Where The Beatles Bought Musical Instruments From!

This small sitar shop in Rash Behari Avenue is where maestros like George Harrison, Ian Anderson, Yehudi Menuhin, and Ravi Shankar bought musical instruments that were of supreme quality!

The City of Joy never ceases to astound us with its intense passion for art, culture and of course, music. With a rich historical past to count upon, Kolkata has always been one step ahead of its time with its avant-garde ideas, modern outlook and unconventional ideas that shook the foundation of a conservative society. Not many are aware of the greatness that lies within the walls in this city and how hidden gems are strewn all over. So, this might come as a pleasant surprise to you when we say that there is a tiny sitar shop in Rash Behari Avenue that supplied its musical instruments to none other than The Beatles - wow! 

Image courtesy: The New Yorker

Don't be fooled by the age-old, timeworn appearance of this underrated, 73-year-old store that can boast of a top-notch expertise in designing traditional sitars from scratch. Not just sitars, Hemen & Co. also deal in other popular musical instruments like tanpura, sarode, guitars and harmonium. Each and every item is handcrafted till perfection and is much appreciated by the loyal customers, which also includes the legendary band. Truly, The Beatles need no introduction as we have all grown up humming the tunes of 'Hey Jude', 'All You Need Is Love' and 'I Want To Hold Your Hand'. Ever since George Harrison bought a sitar from this dilapidated store in 1968, he was taken aback by the amazing work of art and later ordered two acoustic guitars, as well. Since the owner refused to take any money from the iconic musician, he was rewarded by with a huge German-made tape recorder as a 'thank you' gesture! 

Image courtesy: Better India

Over the decades, Hemen & Co. has not dipped in quality and has kept the pace of the new-age stores that are brimming with variety and designs. The old-world, rustic charm and the flawless finish and perfect structural elements of the store's well-crafted instruments has appealed to other world-famous musicians like Ian Anderson (from Jethro Tull), Yehudi Menuhin (a legendary violinist), Ravi Shankar and Anoushka Shankar. Indeed, Kolkata is full of surprises and there are awe-inspiring stories to be discovered in every nook and corner of the city!

Vertical image courtesy: The Current 

Header image courtesy: Embassie Hostel

Social image courtesy: NBC News, Google Sites