Ustad Sabri Khan (1927-2015) whose third death anniversary was observed on December 1, was an artist known for his versatility. Well known sarangi exponent Kamal Sabri, son and disciple of the ustad, notes that his father's sensitive and skillful accompaniment abilities placed him among the greats. But he did not stop at accompanying Khayal singers. “He was the only one who played Dhrupad-Dhamar on the sarangi. He was the exponent who showcased the sarangi's real name saurangi (100 colours) by performing the different genres of Indian classical music — Dhrupad Dhamar, Khayal, Thumri, Kajri, Chaiti, Dadra, Tarana, Tirvat, Ghazal, bhajans, folk songs, Qawwali, film songs.” He also collaborated in fusion performances.
Memorable partnerships
The ustad’s open approach to music was reflected in his partnerships. He performed with the renowned Western classical violinist Yehudi Menuhin. “The recording is with All India Radio. It was in 1970,” says Kamal. “He used to recall that performance as an amazing experience.” Menuhin had come to India to receive the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Award from the Government of India, explains Kamal, “and expressed his wish to perform with sarangi. He had heard my father's name, so he mentioned his name to the then Director General of AIR. The performance was organised at AIR, New Delhi. After the performance Menuhin was offered a cheque of ₹10,000. He said, “Give it to Sabri Khan because he performed better than me. My music is all written in front of me and I see and play, but the music Sabri Khan played is all in his mind and soul. The sarangi is singing in the hands of Sabri'.”
The ustad travelled to the US during 1968. It was a time when the youth of that country was eager for experiences and arts from the East. Ringo Starr, the drummer of the phenomenally popular band The Beatles, “fell in love with the sound of the sarangi.” The ustad gave a private performance for Ringo and his band mates at a music studio, continues Kamal. “Ringo wanted to learn from him and he took a few lessons.”
Unlike other art traditions, the transmission of the art of sarangi playing has remained largely confined to family trees. Ustad Sabri Khan made efforts to change this custom by teaching aspirants from outside his family circle.
“My father always believed that ‘ ilm baantne se badhta hai’ (knowledge grows when you distribute it), and he never used to discriminate between his family members and someone from outside. He would teach the same raga, same composition, same taan to both. He always said his students were his family, regardless of whether they were from his clan.”
Ustad’s disciples
As for noted musicians from outside the family who were trained by the ustad, Kamal names sarangi exponents Harjinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Nicolas Magriel and Chris Dales of the U.K.; Daniel M. Neuman and Jaffery Pawlan of the U.S.; Maria Pomianowska of Poland, Regula Qureshi of Canada, Asako Imai of Japan, Jing Mei of China, Mohammed Shafique of Norway and Franck Bernede of France.
He also mentions Shaminderpal Singh of Punjab and late Shabbir Hussain Buanvi of Haryana. Besides, the ustad gave training in vocal music to Masoom Thakur of Gurgaon and Swarnima of Mumbai among others, says Kamal.
The ustad’s life and contribution will be commemorated with the release of a postage stamp on December 13 at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, 7 p.m.
