It was the right time to exit from television: Ayaan Ali Khan

He has penned a book for his abba, sarod player Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, walked the ramp, bagged a style award and hosted television shows. For sarod player Ayaan Ali Khan, the next obvious step would be Bollywood.
However, Ayaan’s taking it slow. “I have been approached many times but I do not want to rush into films. If something interesting comes my way, I will surely take it up before my hair turns grey,” he laughs.
Is he contemplating getting back to the small screen since he has previously hosted three seasons of a singing reality show? “The small screen industry did not experience such a boom back then. I hosted a simple television show which churned out great talent. It was not larger than life like the way it is now. Also, the reality bug had not taken over television. It was the right time for me to exit from television,” Ayaan adds.
Offers to participate in Bigg Boss and Khatron ke Khiladi did come his way. He was also asked to host Emotional Atyachaar, but he didn’t take up any of the projects. “First of all, I was done with anchoring. Secondly, shows like these can never fetch me concerts,” he says. So the musician went back to do what he does best. “Moreover, I was unable to play the sarod because of such offers,” he adds.
However, Ayaan is happy with the way musical collaboration is on the rise in the film industry. “Creativity is at its peak now. Classical musicians have been collaborating with international stars for the past 40 years. It is great to see how veteran musicians in Bollywood are open to experimentation,” he says. He also likes songs like Womaniya and Hunter. “Lyricists are pushing their creative potential to create such numbers. They surely strike a note with the audience,” he says. But some have criticised recent songs for the language used. “They are just songs. Don’t hear them if you don’t like them. Or you can go buy yourself some popcorn while the song is playing,” he grins.
As a performer, Ayaan is more comfortable performing with his brother Amaan Ali Khan than his father. “My father is my guru. I am in awe of him and it is a privilege for me to perform alongside him. However, with Amaan bhai, everything happens on stage. We never rehearse before the show. Maybe it is because of the brotherly understanding that we share,” he says with a smile.
Ayaan has been happily married to Neema Sharma for over four years now. “Do sur ek saath mil gaye. Neema is a great support system. After a courtship of some years, we tied the knot. She is a home bird and likes listening to a lot of sarod,” he says.