Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s Musical Journey Through Time

For sarod virtuoso Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, music is not merely a profession—it is a sacred calling. His journey began at the tender age of 12 when he became the earning member of his family, guided by the grace of God and the unyielding support of people across every region of India. “Every region of India encouraged me and nurtured me and made me Amjad Ali Khan,” he recalls with deep humility. His lineage traces back to the illustrious Senia Beenkar Gharana—disciples of Swami Haridas and Miyan Tansen—and today, he considers himself a humble representative of that legacy.

The maestro’s personal life is deeply intertwined with the rhythm of classical arts. “I am grateful to God Almighty that my wife is Subhalakshmi Barua from Assam, a legendary Bharatanatyam dancer and disciple of Rukmini Arundale,” he shares. His sons, Amaan and Ayaan, have taken up the mantle of their gharana, with growing recognition and grace. “They realised the responsibility of their family and their tradition,” he says with quiet pride.

Over the years, Ustadji has been the recipient of many prestigious honours—the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan among them. “Every award is a big encouragement and honour,” he reflects. One early recognition, when he was just 15 or 16, came from Prayag Sangeet Samiti in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), which named him ‘Sarod Samrat.’ International honours too have touched his heart. “In 1984, the Governor of Massachusetts declared April 20 as Amjad Ali Khan Day,” he remembers. “Years later, the state of California declared April 13 as Amjad Ali Khan Day. We performed as a family—Amaan, Ayaan, and I.”

Watching his legacy being carried forward is a source of joy, but the greatest happiness comes from his grandchildren, Abeer and Zohaan—twin boys aged 12. “When the five of us perform, we call it the Sarod Quintet. We have played in New York, at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai, and cities across India,” he says with warmth.

His appreciation for music knows no boundaries. “I admired Michael Jackson. I admired Justin Bieber and the young musicians—BTS. They are heroes of my grandchildren, and I enjoy their music too,” he shares. His openness extends to collaborations, most notably Samagam, a sarod concerto performed by leading orchestras worldwide, including the London Philharmonic. “I enjoy collaboration and fusion. I have performed duets with the legendary Ustad Bismillah Khan, and many great South Indian musicians. A duet is a challenge, a trio even more so, and five musicians together is a great joy.”

In today’s digital age, Ustadji recognizes both the blessings and the distractions. “Digital world or social media, they are involving the younger generation,” he says, noting how his grandchildren are often glued to their phones. “But when their father calls them for practice, they don’t say no.” His disciples too are dedicated. “Recently, I performed in Delhi for a Robotic Surgeons’ Conference with two of my disciples from Bengal—Dev Shankar and Jyoti Shankar.”

His view of music transcends boundaries. “Music doesn’t belong to any religion. Like flowers, water, fire, fragrance, and color—it is universal. I belong to every religion of India,” he asserts. Yet he expresses concern about how politics across the world has increasingly relied on religion. “We depend on each other. Bismillah Khan was made by Indians. Amjad Ali Khan was created by Indians. This is the trust between the people of India.”

He cherishes the global collaborations that have come his way. “I have performed with Joe Walsh of Eagles, and the legendary guitarist Charlie Byrd. We are releasing a record together,” he reveals.

For young musicians, Ustadji offers heartfelt guidance. “Please don’t learn classical music as a profession. It is a way of life. You have to surrender to your guru and to God. It’s like entering a dark tunnel with hope of a sunray.” His father, a staunch traditionalist, never wanted him to attend school, but a brief few years of formal education helped him face the world. “I’ve done residencies in Stanford, York University, Indiana, and Washington—not to teach sarod, but to teach music.”

He reveres Western classical music. “They write, read, and perform music at the same time. I salute that tradition. Whenever I visit Vienna, it is like a pilgrimage. I touch my forehead to the ground. Austria has produced so many great composers and conductors.”

Today, Gwalior—his birthplace—has been declared the Capital Town of Music by UNESCO. “The director of UNESCO, Mr. Tim Curtis, visited Sarod Ghar, the museum we created in my ancestral home. It houses instruments of my forefathers and many donated by other great musicians.”

And to all who listen, he leaves a gentle reminder: “If you listen to music with concentration for even five minutes, you will feel some kind of divine energy in your system. God bless you. Have a long, happy, healthy life.”