‘Music is my identity’

[1]

(From left) Ayaan Ali with sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan and Amaan Ali Khan

Amjad Ali Khan is a new-age musician who is shrugging off the cliches of traditional classical music and is quite happy going to the ball. “I love European classical music. I am not the type of musician who will criticise other genres of music.

My father once said, ‘You have to be a complete musician’. I wasn’t evolved enough to understand it then but now I know that it’s important to be open to new sounds, new instruments and collaborations.” He continues, “I recently collaborated with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and released a Samaagam and then another gig with Britten Sinfonia, one of Europe’s most dynamic chamber orchestras which performs in many of the finest concert halls and has residencies in Cambridge and Norwich.”
Today Amjad Ali Khan shoulders the sixth generation inheritance of the prestigious Gwalior lineage from which many classical musicians have emerged, but his childlike love for music and life are evident. There is a sense of reverence in every statement he makes about music but his bond with his craft is that of a child with his most prized toy. “I am very possessive about my music. It’s my identity, my lifeline and it has gifted me so much of happiness,” says the man who has been honoured with a crystal award by the World Economic Forum.
Does he find the same kind of satisfaction in other systems of music? “I believe in the holistic view, which is to embrace all forms of talent. I wish God gives everyone the wisdom to judge less and enjoy more. It’s a great honour to revel in other musicians’ expertise, just as they enjoy our music.”
His rewarding career has helped him win many awards and he reveals, “I am being awarded tomorrow by the Chief Minister of Delhi Sheila Dikshit and Ruskin Bond. I am receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the State. But I wholeheartedly dedicate all my awards and achievements to my wife Subbalakshmi.” Pauses for a while, and continues, “She is my pillar of strength and support. She is from Chennai and trained under Rukmini Devi Arundale for 15 years and is originally from Assam. Whenever we travel abroad she reminds me that we are unpaid ambassadors of our country and music. She is very patriotic and I have learnt to conduct myself with utmost dignity with a little bit of help from her. As a mother she has done a great job with my sons.”
Speaking warmly of his sons, he says, “Amaan is a fine young man. He is 35 and is searching for a life partner still. Ayaan is 33 and is expecting twins soon. They both have worked incredibly hard.”
Expressing displeasure over some reportage he quips, “Some sections of the press said that I’m promoting my sons. Are they a cola or a shampoo that I can just sell in the market? They obviously have talent in them. And it’s every father’s duty to protect, guide and pass on his skills to his children.”
The legend’s message on World Music Day is: “Present your music with pride. Our Indian classical music is sold under the caption of World Music everywhere. I am waiting for the day when we would have a section in every music store that would say Indian Classical Music just as European classical enjoys.”