Ustad Amjad Ali Khan pens down memories of 12-music maestros
Mumbai, March 29 (IANS) Legendry sarod player Ustad Amjad Ali Khan has written a book on 12 legendary musician of the country titled “Master on Masters”.
The book was unveiled on Tuesday evening by Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar in the presence of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s wife Subhalakshmi and sons Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash.
The book release was followed by a reading session and conversation between Karan and the Ustad that revolved around sharing memories, changing culture of music and how technology has taken away heart-to-heart connection amongst people.
In the book, published by Penguin Random House, Khan recalled his earlier memories with iconic musicians like Bade Gulam Ali Khan, Amir Khan, Ustad Alla Rakha, Kesarbai Kerkar, Kumar Gandharva, Bhimsen Joshi and Ustad Bismillah Khan, among others.
As the book is filled with anecdotes, Karan read out one of the excerpts on famous ghazal singer Begum Akhtar that reflected how in yesteryears young musicians used to pay respect to their seniors.
Talking about the same, Johar said: “I think the younger generations also show their respect to their seniors but, yes, the gesture and attitude has changed. Earlier, we used to touch our elders’ feet, now youngsters shake hands.”
On the other hand, Khan, ephasising on sensible parenting, said: “Paying respect to elders is part of our culture that we learn from our parents. These days since parents are too busy and do not spend enough time to teach their kids, they remain unaware of our roots, our traditions.”
Khan added that “if parents do not have time to spend with their children, they should not bring them into the world in the first place”.