My grandchildren introduced me to the music of Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, BTS: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan

A heavyweight in the world of Indian classical music and a sarad virtuoso, one would think that Ustad Amjad Ali Khan lives and breathes only this genre of music. You might not be wrong, but the musician also likes “Western classics, including Bach, Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Handel, among others.” He tells us: “During the pandemic, my grandsons (Abir Ali Bangash and Zohan Ali Bangash) listened to a lot of music by (singers) Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber and BTS, and they even introduced me to this music and football. »

Ask the 79-year-old if he feels cut off from his 11-year-old grandchildren and he says, “It was easier to raise Aman and Ayaan because I could understand their language and way of thinking. With Abir and Zohan, things are quite different. This generation is more connected to the digital world and on their phones, leaving little time for personal interaction.”

However, Grandpa is also quick to explain, “They are passionate about many things, but when it comes time to make music, they are disciplined. It is too early to say whether they will pursue classical music professionally, but they are showing interest.”

Recalling the old days, the veteran said, “In my time, the concept of guru was different from teacher. Guru cared about the student not only about science and music. My father did not push me towards formal education and focused on my musical upbringing. I was in school for a short time, which gave me the strength to face the world.’

Last year, the veteran released an album of Christmas carols that he played for his sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, and now for his grandchildren. “I entertained them with these songs and played the sarod. I would also play nursery rhymes like Old McDonald and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on the instrument,” shares the sarad master, who recently performed at NCPA’s Adi Anant in Mumbai.