Just back from a tour of San Francisco and Boston, sarangi player Sabir Khan rushed to Bhopal for a concert on Wednesday. After a few recording sessions in Mumbai, he is now all set to play at the early morning Pratahswar concert this Sunday. The son and disciple of late sarangi maestro Ustad Sultan Khan, the youngster says he enjoys being busy. “My father inspired me with his commitment to the art. He would say that the more you practised or played, the more your skills would grow.”
Born in Jodhpur, Khan belongs to the ninth generation of sarangi players, which also includes his cousin Dilshad Khan. His grandfather Ustad Gulab Khan was a known sarangi player, and he was initially guided by his uncle, sitar player Nasir Khan. “I am so happy to do an early morning concert, as most of the times, we get evening shows,” says the sarangi player. The 1978-born Khan, who started playing at the age of six, recalls his younger days. “Everyone would get up at 4.30 or 5 a.m. and do riyaz . The namaaz would then take place. From the neighbourhood I would hear aartis and later on I began playing to their tunes. It was such a peaceful atmosphere.”
Now settled in Mumbai, Khan says the best thing about open air morning concerts like Pratahswar is the ambience. He adds, “We see the changing colour of the sky, and then absorb nature and hear the sound of birds. Though it’s my first time at this event, I am already anticipating the experience.” Khan accompanied his father, who passed away in 2011, on many occasions. Besides the musical intricacies, he taught me the importance of being a good human being and respecting others. He would say that if you are loved at home, you are loved in your neighbourhood. Soon you will be loved in your city and eventually by whoever you meet across the world.”
A collection of father-son recordings, The Legacy was released in 2014. Khan has also played with tabla maestros Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pandit Anindo Chatterjee and Pandit Kumar Bose, drummer Ranjit Barot and musicians Karsh Kale and Salim and Sulaiman Merchant. He has contributed to the film soundtracks of Anwar , Jodhaa Akbar and Amma . “Working with Zakir Bhai was a dream come true. I had seen my father perform with him on numerous occasions. I was lucky to join him too and we have had many memorable concerts together,” he points out. At Sunday’s concert, Khan will be accompanied by Ojas Adhiya on tabla.
Sabir Khan will perform at Pratahswar on Sunday April 29 at 6.30 a.m. at Kala Prangan, Pu. La. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi; this is a non-ticketed concert and open to the public.
