Sheik Mabu Saheb, youngest son of one of the first generation Nuzvid veena makers Sheik Meera Saheb, has created world record by carving out shortest playable veena with jackfruit wood. Pondicherry-based Assist World Records Research Foundation has announced the world record for Mr. Mabu Saheb. The shortest veena is of 21 inches of length and six inches of width.
“The veena is playable like any other traditional instrument. It has all the features of a traditional veena to be used by professionals,” Mr. Saheb said. Renowned veena player Veena Srivani of Andhra Pradesh has played the music instrument, examining the technical aspects pertaining to classical music.
“I had developed a passion to create the shortest veena after I was fully groomed by my father (Sheik Meera Saheb) as a professional veena maker and my dream has been realised now,” Mr. Mabu Saheb added . Mr. Mabu Saheb is one among the nine active veena makers in Nuzvid in the Krishna district.
“Recognition like the world record will draw the attention of the music society towards the Nuzvid veena. The achievement gives me an immense energy to keep the art of veena making alive,” Mr. Mabu Saheb said.
Sixty-six-year-old Sheik Meera Saheb had quit the art form owing to his poor health in 2014, leaving the responsibility on the shoulders of his son. Mr. Meera Saheb sometimes helps his son by addressing any queries on technical aspects of veena making. Mr Mabu Saheb had received the world record last week in Hyderabad.
