I don’t want to score music for songs that require dancing and singing in gardens- Ustad Amjad Ali Khan

Padma Vibhushan Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan has a unique place in the world of music. His sons also follow the same path and are continuing the legacy.

Recently, music company Saregama along with Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his sons, Aman and Ayaan, who are also his shishya has launched a new album titled ‘Music Room’. On the occasion of the launch of the album, we had a small talk with Ustad ji, Aman and Ayaan the extracts from the short conversation:

Tell us something about your new album ‘Music Room’. What made you name it ‘Music Room’?

This album is about ‘Guru-Shishya parampara’, the spirit of working together and the importance of taleem. Otherwise, the album is titled as ‘Music Room’ because there is a room in our house where we practice which is called Music Room. The album has two CDs, in one of which I have played Sarod with Aman and in the other with Ayaan. Today, when everyone wants to do everything alone, we three have worked together to inspire others to work as one team. Aman and Ayaan are both very happy with the album and it matters a lot to them as this is the first time they are performing solo with their Abba and guru.

What do you think about the young listeners? Do they like classical music? Why everyone does like fusion these days?

Of course they like classical music. Everyone likes nice and soothing music. Fusion is liked by everyone because people today don’t have time. To please them, we have to take it’s support. We have to present our music in small pieces so that they experience the beauty of classical music in a less period of time. We have tried to do the same in this album. We have played the traditional ragas in a very interesting manner.

Don’t you feel that today, there are very less listeners of classical music?

No, it’s not like that, but yes there is a difference that the sources of entertainment are more. People say that listeners of classical music are less, but today also, when there is a classical music function, thousands and thousands of people gather to listen to the music.

Would you like to give music for a Bollywood movie?

If the script of the movie supports my music and it is valued, then I would surely give music for a Bollywood movie. I don’t want to give music for songs that require dancing and singing in gardens.

What would you like to say about your nomination for the Grammy Awards?

It feels nice when you are nominated for such awards. I am nominated for the ‘Best traditional music’ I have played Sarod with a resident of Iraq named Rahim Alhag who is a great Oud player. If I get the award, it will not only be honorable for my country, but it will also give a resemblance to Sarod.