There won't be another Bismillah: Amjad Ali

Music is language of the soul, says one who is past master at it. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, looking debonair in his famous classy kurtas and wearing a smile that instantly captivates, is categorical: "I can''t think of a more powerful catalyst for peace than music because it heals intrinsically and banishes negative energy." The sarod maestro is one of the most revered classical musicians in the country today.From his music that easily transcends the boundaries of space and time and reaches the heart, to his speech, which in itself sounds as sweet as a musical piece, everything about him is unparalleled.
In Ahmedabad to participate in the Annual Saptak Classical Music festival, he gave a spellbinding performance. The entire hall resonated with the enchanting notes. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan literally sings through his Sarod; his emotions reflected clearly in the intricate notations and unmatched melody.
In an exclusive interview with Rujul Pathak, the Ustad talks about the highs and lows of his musical journey, about his age-old musical legacy, the recent controversy involving him and Ustad Bismillah Khan and of eternal peace as a dream, which can be a reality for India and Pakistan.
Rujul Pathak: You have come a long way in your musical career. How has the entire journey been?
Amjad Ali Khan: I started learning music at three and by twelve I was already giving public performances. I strongly believe in persistence and a true belief in God. Obstacles come and so do criticisms, but what is imperative is that one must go on and on. In my musical journey, the love of my audiences, hard work and family support, have been the major advantages. Overall, it has been a fulfilling journey!
RP: There are recordings of the performances that you have given when you were still in your early teens and flashes of brilliance are evident in those recordings too. Do you feel that you were someone who was born with music and not acquired it?
AAK: I personally feel that music per se cannot be taught. One is born with a basic sense of music and rhythm. But, having said that, I don''t feel that I was a child prodigy. (Smiles) True, I started playing in public at a very young age, but that was because I was serious about music from early childhood. Riyaaz was all that I did throughout the day. Music is all that I ever thought and dreamt about.
RP: There are thousands of ragas in Indian Classical Music. Why then, did you feel the need to invent new ragas?
AAK: I feel that I haven''t invented any ragas. I have only discovered them. They were already there, somewhere in the infinite space. Sometimes, when I am doing my riyaaz, I suddenly hear the voice of a soul and it eggs me on and guides me through a series of notes- notes that I have never heard before, but still am able to sing. The cluster of notes then form a personality. The voice that I hear asks me what was it that I just sang. That is when I realize that I have stumbled upon something intangible, which is unknown to all but was within me all the time. Like a child, a raga is also born and just like an unnamed child has no future, a raga with no name is also sure to go into oblivion. So you have a Bapu Kauns, dedicated to the father of our nation and Subhalakshmi that I have especially created for my wife.
RP: There was a recent controversy involving you and Ustad Bismillah Khan. What actually happened?
AAK: Whatever that happened was unfortunate and was stretched too much without reason. The bottom-line is that all is well between Bismillah Khan Sahib and me and we have also exchanged new-year wishes. He is inimitable as a musician. There won''t be another Bismillah Khan!
RP: Of late many musicians have been contemplating visits to Pakistan for concerts and tie-ups with Pakistani artists. Have you planned anything on those lines?
AAK: I performed in Pakistan in the early eighties. My concert broke a 25 year long cultural silence between the two countries. I also got a lot of love and respect during my stay there. But, I don''t want to go there now just because everyone else is planning a visit there. Pakistan''s audiences lack passion. On the other hand Indian audiences have the understanding and fervour to satisfy any artist. That is probably the reason why artists from Pakistan are so keen on performing in India.
RP: The recent talks between India and Pakistan have been lauded as path-breaking. Do you think we can have a peaceful relationship with our neighbour?
AAK: I definitely think so. There are militants and extremists in every country. But, we also have peace loving Hindus and muslims. The recent talks are a good indication of a better relationship. Even if we can''t help each other, let''s not harm each other!
RP: What excites you now that you have attained so much in the field that you dearly love?
AAK: (Smiles) Music is like a deep ocean and there is nothing like knowing everything in music. My goal is to know the depth of the seven swaras (notes) and give myself completely to music because Music is God for me!
Sometimes the most extraordinary of things in life happen in the most ordinary fashion. This conversation was the perfect example of that. A person immersed in love and humbleness, a person who knows that there is nothing more powerful than the ultimate healing power of music and above all a person so very compassionate and unpretentious- That''s Ustad Amjad Ali Khan for you!