He has been the face of the sarod across the globe for years, created new ragas and collaborated with international orchestras but now legendary msuician Ustad Amjad Ali Khan says he would love to create tunes for Bollywood movies as well. “There haven’t been any talks as of now, but that’s something I am open to and willing to do,” Khan said in a recent interview.
He, however, denies reports that acting is also on his wish list. “I read articles saying that I want to act in a film. That is completely untrue... all I said was that I am open if someone wants me to be in a documentary where I am not required to be anyone else. But I don’t want to act in a full-on film... I was clear,” he said.
Golden oldies
The legendary musician is still smitten with the melody of old Hindi movie songs and believes film music these days focuses on fast-paced dance numbers. “The songs of the 1960s and 1970s appeal even today because of their melody ... With due respect to all the talented music directors, the songs today lack melody; the emphasis is more on fast tempo and dance numbers because of the change in values. That’s why I feel old music is still a favourite among many,” Khan said.
Khan, a Padma Vibhushan awardee, was only six when he gave his first sarod recital. There are not many countries he hasn’t travelled to with his sarod.
The maestro is happy that youngsters are still interested in pursuing a career in classical music, but stressed that there were no “shortcuts” in this field.
No short cuts
“There are a lot of young talented musicians today, so I can say that the future of Indian classical music is very bright. But one has to realise that there are no short cuts; one has to struggle a lot to gain knowledge,” he said. “Classical music is like entering a dark tunnel with the hope of sun rays some day. It is a long journey which needs patience, peace and serenity.” Married to Subhalakshmi, a Bharatnatyam danseuse, Khan’s two sons, Ayaan and Amaan, carrying on their father’s legacy to the next generation of classical musicians.
“They are very hard working... Both have different styles of playing the sarod. I am glad they receive appreciation, love and blessings from people all over the world. They are on the right track and I am happy that they are so dedicated,” he said of his sons.
Recent collaborations
The maestro recently collaborated with Grammy nominee and Iraqi Oud player Rahim Alhaj for an album called “Ancient Sounds”, which released in the U.S. in June and is set for an Indian release in two months. The collaboration brings together the musical heritage of their respective ancient cultures in a contemporary way. “All tracks are written and composed by me, except the fifth one. The album, which also has influences of percussion, is sublime, powerful and passionate,” said the 63-year-old.
The veteran was part of the Indian Independence Day celebrations in Sydney and Perth and paid a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. “I started the evening with two of Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite songs: Vaishnav janato and Ram Dhun followed by traditional ragas. Sarod is not very popular in Australia unlike in Europe and the U.S.; so I want to do more shows there,” he said.
More shows
“The sarod needs some impetus to gain popularity among people. I’m trying to make it as popular as the guitar and violin. We are doing more shows so that people learn more about this instrument because I know one thing for sure: if anyone listens to the sarod once, then he gets attracted to it,” Khan said.
