Which one of the following pairs of artist and art form is incorrectly matched?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks awareness of prominent Indian artists and the classical art forms they are associated with. Matching famous names to their correct musical instrument or dance form is a common type of cultural general knowledge question.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Each option gives a pair consisting of an artist's name and an art form.
• We have to locate the pair that is incorrectly matched.
• The art forms mentioned are Tabla, Shehnai, Bharatnatyam and Kathak.

Concept / Approach:
To answer, we recall the best known association of each artist. Amjad Ali Khan is a legendary exponent of the sarod, a stringed instrument, not the Tabla. Ustad Bismillah Khan is famously linked to the Shehnai. Hema Malini is an accomplished Bharatnatyam dancer and film actor. Shambhu Maharaj is a renowned Kathak guru.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate option A. Amjad Ali Khan is known worldwide as a maestro of the sarod. The Tabla is a percussion instrument associated with other artists, so this pairing is incorrect.Step 2: Evaluate option B. Ustad Bismillah Khan played the Shehnai and popularised it in classical concerts and national ceremonies, so this pairing is correct.Step 3: Evaluate option C. Hema Malini is recognised as a trained Bharatnatyam dancer in addition to being a film star, so this pairing is correct.Step 4: Evaluate option D. Shambhu Maharaj is a celebrated Kathak exponent from a famous dancing family, so this pairing is also correct.Step 5: Since only option A contains an incorrect association, it is the required answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
One can quickly cross check by listing instruments in the mind: sarod goes with Amjad Ali Khan, Shehnai with Bismillah Khan, Tabla with artists like Zakir Hussain. This instantly confirms that linking Amjad Ali Khan to Tabla is wrong.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is not the incorrect pair because Ustad Bismillah Khan and Shehnai is the classic and accurate association.
Option C is not incorrect because Hema Malini has long been associated with Bharatnatyam dance performances and training.
Option D is not incorrect because Shambhu Maharaj is documented as a leading Kathak guru.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners may mix up the names of artists with similar sounding surnames or confuse Tabla and sarod, both of which are important in Hindustani classical music. Careful revision of prominent artists with their main instrument or dance form is the best safeguard.

Final Answer:
The incorrectly matched pair is Amjad Ali Khan – Tabla, since he is actually a sarod maestro.