Eminent Indian Sarod titan maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is in Kuwait to perform at a function organized by Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) to showcase Indian Music to the Kuwaiti audience.
In an exclusive chat with IndiansinKuwait.com, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan shares his views on Music and the young generation.
"I am unfortunate to see that even in the 21st century, war is happening in our world!" Ustad Amjad Ali said. The country can be divided, but not Music. India was divided into two to form Pakistan, But the Music we play in both India and Pakistan are the same, the undisputed masters of the music world said. Even the saddening part is that education is not able to give compassion and kindness to our people. He said it is saddening to see even PhD doctorate holders talking about religion in this century.
"There were so many great musicians and artists in our times who were not educated, but all of them were great musicians or artists of all time. How can you call them uneducated while today even the PhD holders talk communal and fight each other?" Ustad asks.
Music doesn't have any religion. With the role of Music, I learned that I belong to all religions of the world, Sarod maestro said. Music is like air, water, fire and colour... They don't have any religion. The word of sound is the same whether it is coming from an Azaan in a mosque or in any other religious place.
With the increasing popularity of western Music among the young generation, Ustad also denied that Indian classical Music is losing its charm. "The new generation has a lot of opportunities. These days there are YouTube, digital channels etc., which were unavailable during our time. And there is nothing to worry about the younger generation as long as they love Music," Sarod maestro said.
I am happy with any music you listen to. Even my grandchildren listen to Michel Jackson and Justin Bieber. Now they all are behind BTS, which is the new trend. I don't want the whole world to listen to only classical Music.
Every Music in the world is based on seven musical notes. sā, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni or do re mi fa so la ti. "Most interesting part is that these seven notes or the 12-semitones in the Indian music scale were defined 5000 years ago. But even today, when we are so advanced in all fields, nobody could create a 13th musical note," Sarod maestro said.
It's a known fact that not only Music heals, but the people who appreciate Music, are also blessed. If you listen to good Music even for five or ten minutes, it will give you many benefits. Music is the food for your mind, Sultan of Sarod Ustad Ustad Amjad Ali Khan said.
The sound is transparent. You cannot manipulate the sound. "My appeal to the younger generation is to respect all religions. Don't fight on account of religion. "Unfortunately, we human beings have become the most ferocious animal today, the undisputed master of Music and peace Ustad Amjad Ali Khan concluded his chat.