Over the last few months, school classes, work meetings, and even music concerts have gone virtual. While that is crucial due to health concerns, they don’t necessarily match up to the in-person variants. And sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan thinks so too. In a recent interview, he talked about this, the insider-outsider debate as well as allegations of musicians buying fake followers.
Hindustan Times quoted him saying,
“It’s a strange situation. The last few months have been difficult. We also keep getting invitations for virtual concerts and have done a few, but nothing matches the charm of a live performance. Musicians are really facing problems, there are many who’ve taken up other professions to survive. Sadly, some have taken their lives, too. It’s time our government consider ways to help musicians who’re out of work for last 7-8 months. We are unofficial ambassadors of India, we represent our country everywhere, we perform around the world but sadly we aren’t even considered for pension, which would’ve helped many during this crisis. I’m sure Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have something in mind for artistes.”
On the subject of the independent music industry in general and classical music in particular, he added,
“Yes, but then there’s too much is happening online. Dukan khol ke baithe gaye hain log. Everybody is playing musical instruments, singing, and it’s very confusing for listeners. Unfortunately, everybody wants to perform but not many are trained. And many are inspired by reality shows on TV, parents want their children to earn fame, win trophy and money. But, in the last 10-20, years how many of these reality show stars have achieved much?”
“Historically, in every era, there has been a different atmosphere. Like Emperor Akbar encouraged classical music and revered Tansen, but then Emperor Aurangzeb didn’t like music and even destroyed all the instruments. Classical music isn’t meant for everybody like film music. We aren’t available for all. Classical music is for those who love and respect for our art and culture.”
The proud granddad talked about the musical debut of 8-year-old grandsons, Zohaan and Abeer Ali Bangash by saying,
“This is the greatest gift of my life. In fact, this is one of the rare blessings of the lockdown. Their schools are shut so apart from studies, they could sincerely and happily practice the sarod. Credit goes to their parents Ayaan (Ali Bangash) and Neema. They call me Dada Abba. Along with (my sons) Ayaan and Amaan. and I also teach them (my grandkids) at times. This is a natural way of life in our family. I’m grateful that our legacy is continuing. Music might be entertainment for the rest of the world but for Indians, swar hi ishwar hai. God willing, soon, me, Amaan, Ayaan, Zohan and Abeer will be able to perform together.”
“Kala ek khusboo ki tarah hai, agar khusboo achhi hai toh usko fahelne se koi nahi rok sakta. Indians understand art better and they won’t accept anyone as an artiste. I’m talking about classical music and not Hindi film world. We don’t launch our children like big stars, producers or musicians. As gurus, classical artistes don’t impose their children on the audience. At the same time, there are thousands of talented musicians, but people want to listen to children of Pandit Ravi Shankar, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Kumar Gandharva, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Amjad Ali Khan — that’s very natural and emotional attachment. But that doesn’t mean other talents get suppressed.”
On using unscrupulous means to gain online visibility he added,
“Everybody wants to be famous overnight. But this doesn’t happen in classical music. Here, you’ve to keep working with dignity and grace. It isn’t easy to be a classical musician. It’s like entering a dark tunnel hoping that there would be light at the end of it. While many have found that light, there are others who’re still walking.”
Hoping that the world goes back to normal soon so we can watch him perform live. Fingers crossed!