“Jab Tak Suraj Chand Raheha, Classical Sangeet Raheha (As long as the sun and the moon exist, classical music will exist)” declared Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. Born in Gwalior on October 9, 1945, Khan inherited a distinguished 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 used to say, ‘Aap sab kuch nahi kar sake (can’t do everything).’ I chose to focus entirely on music and surrender to God,” Khan said. “I am ashamed to say my profession. It’s my passion.”
On December 8, Khan will take the stage at the Citi NCPA Adi Anant festival in Mumbai along with his sons Aman and Ayaan Ali Bangash, and grandsons Abeer and Johan Ali Bangash. Together, they will celebrate the cherished “master-disciple tradition.”
Sharing the stage with family is both a privilege and a challenge, admits Khan. “Playing solo is easy. Playing with someone is a big challenge. The more musicians join in, the more difficult it becomes,” he said. Still, his words lit up with pride, he added, “I’m thrilled that both my grandchildren are establishing themselves, and I am very happy and excited that NCPA has invited them.”
Reflecting on the relationship between pop culture and classical music, Khan said, “It’s not fair to compare. Pop and film music resonate with the common man because of their relatable lyrics. Songs like Chand of Chaudhary or Your lovely lovely face is an example. But I believe everyone should explore all kinds of music.” His grandsons–Abir and Johan––embody this openness, balancing their love of classical music with fandom for BTS, Michael Jackson and Justin Bieber. “They’re also football fans. They are – one loves Ronaldo, the other Messi. Hum to zatan bhi nahi Ronaldo kaun hai bhai (I don’t even know who Ronaldo is)!”
Amjad Ali Khan with his sons Aman Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash and grandsons Abeer and Johan. (express)
Khan credited his younger son Ayaan with introducing Abeer and Johan to music during the pandemic. “Music is for the passionate. We are not musicologists or teachers; we are ordinary people, practitioners sadhana and penance” he said.
For eating, more than performing music; It is a spiritual practice. “Music, like flowers, water, fire, or fragrance. It connects the world and is a precious gift of God. You can’t see the rhythm, and you can’t see God. I am 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. “I cannot manipulate with sound, but with song, with words one can manipulate another. This is how politicians win elections. ‘Words are ruling the world’.
When asked if there is a particular raga or composition that consistently resonates with his listeners, Khan gently dismisses the notion. “Dhiye, jo mujhe sunne aate hain, woh raga ki wajah se nahi aate, pyaar ki wajah se aate hain (Those who come to listen to us do not come because of raga, but because of love).”
He said that this belief has continued his passion even though he has been on the field for decades. “Music is therapy for me. raga and Ragini “Hai mera treat me karta hai (Raag and Ragini cured me),” he said.
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