The Sarod Virtuoso of India

The scion of the Bangash lineage who has earned name for his remarkable skills, Amjad Ali Khan is one of the leading exponents of playing sarod in India. The melody of his music has won many hearts across the globe.

The sarod virtuoso, Amjad Ali Khan, Image Source- Outlook India

Miya Tansen needs no introduction. The power of his voice performed miracles in the court of Akbar. The court musician of Gwalior, Hafiz Ali Khan, had the privilege to flourish under the tutelage of the descendants of Tansen. Bequeathing the same legacy to his son, Amjad Ali Khan, makes the latter a living legend who has an illustrious lineage.

Born in 1945, Amjad Ali Khan is the youngest of seven siblings. His family pride is the invention of the sarod. Khan's great great great grandfather, Mohammad Hashmi Khan, brought the Afghan rubab (a rudimentary form of sarod) to India to remould it into what is now known as the sarod. The sixth-generation sarod player thus rightfully claims the evolution of sarod as an intergenerational growth spanning over a period of 200 years. Amjad Ali Khan continues to experiment with the instrument, facilitating many tasteful renditions of his music.

As expected, Amjad Ali Khan received much of his taleem from his father while being home-schooled simultaneously. It was not until 1958 before he joined a day school for further studies.

During the 1960s, Amjad Ali Khan started performing on various international platforms, which brought him much fame. Even though sitar was much more familiar to the western audience, Khan's extraordinary excellence not only popularised sarod but also brought him international acclaim.

Amjad Ali Khan's two sons, Ayaan Ali Khan and Amaan Ali Khan are also the leading maestros who have contributed to the awe-inspiring performances of their father. The trio's live performance of 'Raga For Peace' in the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in 2014 was a sight to behold.

Khan's collaboration with western artists has been a big-time hit. Khan's performance with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and his contribution to Carrie Newcomer's album Everything is Everywhere are some of his magnificent works amidst others.

Khan, along with his sons, continues to cherish the gift of his forefathers. In the face of this pandemic, the sarod maestro talks about the healing touch of music, which he believes will invoke happiness and peace.

His latest album is a result of this thought. His first collaboration with the rock and roll world happens with Joe Walsh, the legendary guitarist and music composer. Their album, Prayers or Prarthana, is a tribute to all the doctors and front line workers who are working hard to save the earth. Amjad Ali Khan furthers stresses that this collaboration not only unites the East and the West but also gives the strength to cope up with the crisis of Covid-19.

Khan's long career has won him many awards. By winning the three most prestigious honours of India including, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, Amjad Ali Khan is the true heir of his legacy. Not only this but he has also been declared the honorary citizen in many states of the U.S.

The living legend who is best known for his clear and fast ekhara taans continues to excel and perform miracles with his exceptional talent.

Two legendary musicians, Amjad Ali Khan and Joe Walsh, Image Source: Mid-Day