NEW DELHI: With his rich legacy being carried forward by his sons, Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan says he never wanted to create “two more Amjad Ali Khans” out of them, and is happy that they have carved out a niche for themselves.
“My sons, Amaan and Ayaan, have become role models for many young people in India. Both of them have become multi-dimensional and multi-faceted.
“I feel blessed that as soloists or as a duo, they have both carved out a niche for themselves in a rather deep rooted fashion,” Khan told PTI.
As Sarod is gradually gaining popularity as a musical instrument, not just in the country but across the globe, Khan said that the family was on a “collective mission to make this beautiful instrument as popular as the Guitar.”
“Since my childhood, I always wanted the Sarod to be able to express an entire range of human emotions… From singing to shouting.. From whispering to crying…All the emotions!
“Thanks to the Internet, ipods, DVDs and CDs, we are in every home across the world. I am sure that our classical music and legacy will flourish not only in India but all over the world,” he says.
For the musician, who has performed across the world and been appreciated widely, Indian audience remains his favourite.
“The Sarod has become far more expressive than it was 40 years ago. Every country, be it US, Europe or far east have their own charm of music lovers, but India is of course special,” he says.
Khan also hailed Stockholm Committee’s decision to award the Nobel prize for Literature to American music legend Bob Dylan.
“I was so happy to hear the announcement. He has given so much happiness and good music to people. This is the beauty of music that as musicians of any country, we are connected with each other because we work with the same seven notes,” says Khan.
Talking about his collaboration with Singaporean-born Indian conductor George Mathew and American classical violinist Elmira Darvarova for the Western Classical musical concert, the Padma Vibhushan awardee said he was “honoured” to have been approached by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
“We have achieved a cross-fertilization at both the cellular and cosmic levels of two classical music traditions, which are often held to be radically different. The concept is to joyfully explore the common musical DNA of both traditions,” Khan said.
The musician who performed recently at a concert titled ‘Samagam’ here, to raise funds to eliminate cataract in India, said 15 million people in the country continued to suffer from cataract related impairments due to inaccessible treatment.
“Our concerts are a metaphor for the possibilities that can blossom when a community comes together to create action through the power of the many working together.
“The surgical treatment for Cataract is safe and relatively inexpensive. Yet there is a backlog of millions. This is utterly unnecessary suffering which is often made permanent by the twin curses of poverty and lack of access,” he said.
Khan is scheduled to perform next with playback legend Asha Bhosle in Mumbai. *(AGENCIES)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
