We have reached out to a new generation: Ayaan

He is the younger son of India's Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan. Youth icon and painter who started a new chapter of his life as a father of two, Ayaan Ali Khan shares experiences of his life in conversation...

Q: Tell us something about the ‘Bangash Gharana’.

Ayaan: The word Sarod is a derivation from the word ‘Sarood’ meaning melody in Persian. The Sarod is a relatively young instrument compared to the other instruments of India. It is a present day modification of the Rabab, a Folk Instrument from Central Asia. This modification however took place in India by Ghulam Bandegi Khan Bangash who is one of my ancestors. The Sarod has a steel fingerboard and a belly covered with goatskin. Over this are placed 19 metal strings out of which 11 are sympathetic ones. The plectrum is made of coconut shell called ‘java’. The strings are pressed with the edge of the nails and not the fingertips. This gives a very fine tone that suits the character of this instrument. The body is made of teakwood.

Q: How different experience is it as your father is your ‘Guru’?

Ayaan:You feel extremely blessed to be born to a monumental icon of music. It's a great feeling when you are compared with the best (Amjad Ali Khan). The mantra is that you are what you deliver. You are only as good as your last concert and every concert is your first concert. Our father had been the most lenient teacher who is a perfectionist however, the relationship is more of a father and son.

Q: How do you define instrumental music? Is it a way of telling stories?

Ayaan:Instrumental music has no language. It’s pretty simple really. It either appeals to you or it doesn’t! We have done over seven music videos in the past but it really doesn’t do anything beyond that video being a part of your show real. So if it's appealing, you like it.. There’s nothing to understand.

Q: Classical music always had a limited audience. Do you think the limitation has got an expansion, thanks to fusion music?

Ayaan: It’s very hard to speak about your own musical thoughts or concepts as that’s something music lovers or your audience should decide. However, we have tried to reach out to a new generation of listeners and we have tried to make Sarod a household name for music lover; a journey that our father started from the time he was born.

Q: You are doing fusion music, which is building a bridge between Indian classical music and different genre of world music. How challenging is it to maintain the originality of your music?

Ayaan:I would like to be known as a classical musician not a fusion artist or a band. I have always tried to strike the balance. It’s important to me. I never look down on any genre of music but by doing fusion, we are technically not creating a new genre. It’ll just be labeled under world music. Ironically it’s the same labeling even if it's purely classical.

Q: In your latest album ‘Rang – Colours of Sufism’, you attempt to blend Indian Raga and traditional Qawwalis. How was the response to that?

Ayaan:It is our interpretation of timeless Qawwalis blending the pieces with Sufi music. My brother and I have always tried combining different Indian art forms that can come together to create something extraordinary. Some of the tracks that listeners will definitely enjoy are 'Mann Kunto Maula', 'Aaj Rang Hai', 'Bahaut Din Beete', 'Main Nizaam', 'Zihale Miskin' and 'Kaahe Ko Byaahe Bides'. It's our interpretations of traditional Qawwalis on the Sarod along with singing the Qawwalis in our distinct style. The Qawwalis have been performed in authentic style by Sultan Niyazi and party. This confluence of Sufi singing and the sonorous sound of the Sarod will surely be appreciated by listeners.

Q: Bollywood music is an important part of Indian popular culture. Since you are doing fusion music, are we going to get anything from your bag of this sort?

Ayaan: A lot of proposals keep coming up, but it has to be feasible for me too. A lot of good work is being done in Bollywood these days. But for me to give up my concerts and concentrate on a single project has to logically make sense. As of now, I haven't received any project that will make me give up everything and focus on it. Every concert for me is like my first concert and I am concentrating on that. Let's see what future has in store for me.

Q: There are many reality shows that are giving a platform to kids. But we have not seen such shows for instrumental music. Do you think they are getting enough exposure for that?

Ayaan: Well it can be done but with a lot of planning and conceptualizing. At the moment, it’s become quite stereotypical.

Q: You are a youth icon, what do you suggest to our aspiring classical musicians?

Ayaan: Like any creative field, there really isn’t a formula but yes, practice, hard work, respect towards teachers and finally destiny or karma, whatever you want to call it!

Q: Apart from music, you are also into painting; what about that ‘expression of art’?

Ayaan: Ganeshas playing Sarod are my fascination. The reason for this fascination could be many. It could be the liberal upbringing that I had or the fact that I was exposed to Hindu mythology from a very young age. What I developed over the years was my interpretation or extension of my music through my art. Music is a reflection of your nature, your persona and so is art. When I paint, I have music playing in my mind. Having started the series with only water colours I eventually mixed the medium with acrylic paints too.These paintings clearly say something from my heart. In fact, I find it hard to believe how an artist is not interested in music. It doesn’t fit.

Q: Though they are baby dolls now, what is your dream as a parent for Zohaan and Abeer?

Ayaan: Right after Zohaan and Abeer were born, my father (Abba) sang ‘sa re ga ma’ in their ears on my request as he did the same to me. Music is our bank balance, but ultimately it will be up to them to decide what they want.

Q: We have seen you in fashion shows as ‘Showstopper’; what is your fashion statement?

Ayaan:I did it all for dear friends. To be comfortable and appropriate is my mantra.

Q: Many times you have taken initiative to protect nature; recently you performed in ‘Indo-German Urban Mela’ where the purpose of it is to protect the nature and develop the urban area.How did this idea came to your mind?

Ayaan: I have always come forward to protect nature which recently included 'Save the Earth Project'. Initiatives like this are very much needed especially to make the youth realize that if we don’t wake up to this, it’ll be too late.