Indian music needs govt support for revival: Amjad Ali Khan

Gwalior, Mar 10 (UNI) The Government should take serious steps towards giving a better platform for music in India, sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan has said, showing deep concern towards insufficient infrastructure for the promotion of music in the country.

''I see that big buildings and stadiums are constructed in Delhi for the Commonwealth Games, but it is a pity that after 60 years of Independence, we do not have a world class concert hall in the capital,'' the Ustad told mediapersons here yesterday.

''This attitude shows that Government is targeting those things which are about 'winning and losing', since nothing like that happens in music, it does not mean that it should be neglected,'' he said.

Replying to a question regarding musical reality shows and their effect on classical music,the Ustad said the roots of classical music are very strong and nothing can shake them, there are still many listeners of classical music.

He also felt that this form of music is a heritage and needs to be conserved, and meets like Gwalior heritage festival have proved to be an important step in that direction.

Madhya Pradesh government should also think about setting up a Tansen Academy in the state, he said adding that '' it is the duty of Gwalior people to take the initiative in this direction,'' The Ustad has to his credit the establishment of Sarod Ghar in the city -- a museum of Indian music set up in the ancestral house of his father Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan. The museum houses ancient instruments of great Indian masters of yesteryears and exhibits an impressive collection of photographs and documents. It is a unique institution devoted to promoting Indian classical music, heritage and culture.

''Sarod Ghar is a tribute to music, musicians and all those people around the world who respect the Indian culture and tradition, but we are looking for sponsors to promote the museum,'' Amjad Ali Khan said.

Reminiscing about the inspiration of Sarod Ghar, Ustad's wife Subbalaxmi Khan said they got the idea from famous composer Beethoven's house in Germany when they saw that the interiors of his house were still preserved.

''After looking at Beethoven's house , we thought that museums in India are government oriented but there is none enlightening people about the rich music in India and hence we thought of setting up Sarod Ghar,'' said the former Bharatnatyam exponent .

''We have been lucky that many big artistes of India have helped us by donating the instruments used by their forefathers.'' Ustad Amjad Ali Khan hails from Gwalior and performed at its first heritage festival held from March 7 to 9. On being asked about his experience in the festival, he said he was overwhelmed to see such a huge crowd at the venue and hopes to come back again next year.

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