‘My father thought I could either study or play sarod’
Sarod virtuoso Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is nostalgic about Delhi and a principal who overlooked maths to recognise his music
Mention sarod, and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s name immediately comes to mind. One would have experienced the magic of his fingers on his instrument many times, and when the maestro recently took to the stage at Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra (SBKK) in Mandi House, there was gratitude and nostalgia in his voice.
The sarod virtuoso, who gave his first recital at the age of six, became overwhelmed while looking back at his journey while receiving the Sumitra Charat Ram Award for Lifetime Achievement (2018). “My father used to teach in SBKK along with other legendary musicians. Sumitraji (in whose name this award is instituted) was like my mother… she convinced my father I should go to school. My father, Haafiz Ali Khan, was an old timer and believed one can do only one thing in life rather being jack of all trades and master of none. It was because of Sumitraji that I went to Modern School, Barakhamba Road. So, this award is very special to me,” says the septuagenarian whose training began at a very early age.
The place takes him back to childhood, when he shifted from Gwalior to Delhi with his family. “In 1957, a big delegation came to persuade my father. That’s how we all came to Delhi and lived where the Kamani Auditorium and Rabindra Bhawan are today. Bengali Market used to be our hangout place,” says the artist, recalling how he used to “cycle to school from Mandi House”.
“My principal knew I was born to play the sarod. We need such educators who can see creative instincts in every child, in every school,” he adds.
Later, he reprised both his father’s skill at playing the sarod, and the role of a teacher. “After my father’s retirement at SBKK, I also worked as an ustad there in the ’60s for ₹300 a month. Then I got busy with concerts, and didn’t get the time to go back.”
My mother (Sumitra Charat Ram) had a wonderful relationship with Khan saab’s father. We chose to give him the award as he’s the best living sarod player today. SHOBHA DEEPAK SINGH DIRECTOR, SBKK
I was weak in maths. My father took me to the (Modern School) principal, MN Kapur, and said ‘Inka mathematics kaise theek karein?’ Kapur sa’ab told abba sa’ab, ‘Khan sa’ab, ye kabhi mathematics pass nahi karenge aur mai inko kabhi fail nahi karunga.’ USTAD AMJAD ALI KHAN
SAROD PLAYER