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'The sitar is an extension of my body'
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Irshad Khan is inseparable from his sitar. Read on to know more about the exponent
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AN ILLUSTRIOUS lineage, a child prodigy, a musical upbringing, a life steeped in music... Irshad Khan has lived up to expectations and carried on the mantle successfully. Belonging to the famed Imdadkhani gharana of sitar and surbahar players, son and disciple of Ustad Imrat Khan and nephew of the renowned sitar maestro the late Ustad Vilayat Khan, Irshad Khan is finally back to his roots after having lived almost half his life in the West. Irshad Khan, who is inseparable from his sitar, is now busy setting up his Sangeet Ashram, a school for classical music in Mumbai. For a man who has given over 2000 concerts, Irshad's thirst and enthusiasm for music only seems to increase by the day as was evident in his recent concert at Taj Krishna under the aegis of Surmandal.
"The sitar is an extension of my body, I love playing it," says the exponent, who does not mind the cuts on his fingers (had two of them strapped up with band aid). "I have to feel the strings in my fingers," he says and that reflects in his dexterous play. His latest album (which he has just finished recording in Mumbai) is Malhar (which has four different variations of the raag).
Irshad's repertoire includes fusion music besides classical concerts and albums (Fire, Grace and Passion being the latest). "I play more fusion for audiences not exposed to classical music and sitar. It's good for fun and experiment sake."
In fact his music is now being used in a television serial Hercules. For a man who had umpteen offers to do films and documentaries Irshad has surprisingly done just a few (Fish in the Sky - a BBC production, Jhar - a Bengali film made by Utpal Dutt, background music for Manmohan Desai's film Mard and composed music and songs for Children's Film Society of India). "Composing for films is not my cup of tea. It takes too much time. I am busy with concerts and students. I had many offers but it means too much work." But he is "open to any good offers."
Irshad is keen on propagating Indian classical music. Besides concerts, he conducts workshops and gives lectures.
"I am a cultural ambassador. I am thankful to God and feel blessed to be able to pass on the tradition and heritage."
Irshad's Universal Academy of Musicians has branches in Rochester, Mississauga (near Toronto, Canada) and Mumbai. His advice to wannabe musicians: "Find a good guru. Listen to the right kind of styles and of course riyaaz is important."
"Nobody cares for culture in. Children are watching more television, which is harmful than beneficial. The real culture in India is dying," rues Irshad. "More coverage in the media would help increase awareness." Irshad is passionate about the sitar and wants to enjoy playing it till he can.
RADHIKA RAJAMANI
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