USTAD
AMJAD ALI
KHAN & SONS
It was a pleasure interviewing the legendary Sarod player Ustad Amjad Ali Khan on his entire
journey, what he thinks about the current industry, how he picked up Sarod first and much more.
We also had a very interesting conversation with Ayaan and Amaan on their work currently.
USTAD AMJAD ALI KHAN
Could you tell us a little history about how you picked up the
Sarod?
I cannot remember a particular day that I was initiated
into the world of music. It was a part of me from as early as
I can remember. Indeed, I cannot think of a moment when
music has been separated from my life. For my father Haafiz
Ali Khan, though, there was no question of a life outside
music. Life itself was music and Music was Life. And so I
came to inherit from him the legacy of five generations of
musicians as naturally as a bird taking to the air. Music
is the greatest wealth that I inherited from my forefathers.
Music is a precious gift of God. Research on this subject
has shown that listening to appealing music allows plants
to grow faster, cattle give more milk and today the medical
world is using music as therapy. Certain ragas take care
of certain ailments. In my life and journey from the age of
6, I experienced the ecstasy, peace, tranquilly, harmony,
satisfaction and joy though various melodies and rhythm
and ragas. The reactions of music kept changing according
to my age and experience. Our musical seven notes are
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closely connected with our important cells of the mind and
appealing music becomes the therapy for the musicians and
the listeners.
You have been playing for the last 60 plus years. How have you
adapted to the change in the music scene year after year for the
last 6 decades?
A great deal of importance is given to tradition in Indian
classical music. In fact, tradition and spirituality are the
backbone of classical music whether it is in the form of the
teaching system, or in the structure of ragas and talas. Great
musicians or Gurus have been likened to pujaris or priests
who perform upasana. That is why we touch their feet. It is
not an act of subservience but an elevating and liberating
action. It is a unique custom that truly belongs only to our
culture. It is understandable to adopt or adapt to a modern
way of life and merely seek to achieve technical virtuosity
but this does not mean that we forget mean that we forget
the most essential values of our tradition and culture
Photo Credits: Anup Kumar Pandey: Ugly Studios