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Journalism of Courage
“Jab tak suraj chaand rahega, classical music rahega (classical music will remain till the time there is Sun and the Moon),” proclaimed Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. Born on October 9, 1945, in Gwalior, Khan inherited a prestigious lineage of sarod players. Trained by his father, the legendary Hafiz Ali Khan—renowned as a master musician at the Gwalior court and revered for his contributions to Indian classical music—he became a torchbearer of this illustrious tradition. “My father always said, ‘Aap sab kuch nahi kar sakte (one can’t do everything).’ I chose to focus entirely on music and surrender to God,” Khan said. “I am embarrassed to call it my profession. This is my passion.”
On December 8, Khan will take the stage alongside his sons Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, and grandsons Abeer and Zohaan Ali Bangash, at the Citi NCPA Aadi Anant festival in Mumbai. Together, they will celebrate the cherished “Guru-Shishya Parampara”.
Sharing the stage with family is both a privilege and a challenge, Khan admitted. “Playing solo is easier. It is a big challenge to play with someone. As more musicians join, the harder it gets,” he said. Yet, pride illuminated his words as he said, “I’m thrilled that both my grandsons are establishing themselves, and I’m very happy and excited that NCPA has invited them.”
Reflecting on the relationship between pop culture and classical music, Khan said, “It’s not advisable to compare. Pop and film music resonate with the common man because of their relatable lyrics. Songs like Chaudhvi ka Chand or Teri Pyaari Pyaari Surat are examples. But I believe everyone should explore all kinds of music.” His grandsons––Abeer and Zohaan––embody this openness, balancing their love for classical music with fandom for BTS, Michael Jackson, and Justin Bieber. “They’re also football fans—one loves Ronaldo, the other Messi. Hum toh jaante bhi nahi Ronaldo kaun hai bhai (I don’t even know who Ronaldo is)!”
Khan credited his younger son Ayaan for introducing Abeer and Zohaan to music during the pandemic. “Music is for those with passion. We’re not musicologists or educators; we are simple people, practitioners of sadhana and tapasya,” he said.
For Khan, music transcends performance; it is a spiritual practice. “Music, like flowers, water, fire, or fragrance. It connects the world and is a precious gift from God. You can’t see rhythm, and you can’t see God. I’m grateful to belong to the world of sound,” he said.
However, Khan noted the power of words to manipulate, contrasting them with the purity of sound. “Through sound I cannot manipulate, but through lyrics, words, one can manipulate the other. That’s how politicians win elections. ‘Words are ruling the world’.”
When asked if there’s a particular raag or composition that consistently resonates with his audience, Khan gently dismissed the notion. “Dekhiye, jo mujhe sunne aate hain, vo raag ki wajah se nahi aate, pyaar ki wajah se aate hain (Those who come to listen to us, come because of the love, not because of the raag).”
He also said that it is this belief that sustains his passion, even after decades in the field. “Music is therapy for me. Raag aur ragini hi mera treatment karte hain (Raag and ragini heal me),” he said.
