Classical maestros should contribute to film music: Sultan

Bhopal, Feb 28 (UNI) Sarangi exponent and vocalist Ustad Sultan Khan feels that if classical music maestros renounce their ego and contribute to light and film music then it would prove a step in the right direction for both music and themselves.

''It is wrong to think that entering the world of pop music or film music, from the classical realm, is frivolous and amounts to commercialisation,'' the ustad, who was here in connection with a programme, told UNI.

Khan, who is associated with the Indore gharana and has received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award twice, said that his own experience revealed that an artiste did not lose stature by contributing to film or pop music. In his old age he began singing for the cine world and now feels that his stature and talent consequently improved.

''I did hesitate before turning to film and album music but after singing for director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's movie 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' I felt that the hesitation was nothing more than meaningless pride. When I received the offer for 'Piya Basanti Re', I outrightly said that I had no relationship with pop music. It was my wife who pressurised me to accept,'' said a satisfied Khan.

Pointing out that the people associated with Hindi film and non-film music were not less creative than classical music maestros, he praised new-generation composers A R Rahman, Jatin-Lalit and Ismail Shroff.

''Music patron Raj Kapoor, immortal composers Naushad and R D Burman are among several personages who sacrificed everything for music and rose above the definition of classical and non-classical music to bring popular music to the masses. New generation music-lovers admit that songs such as 'Piya Basanti Re', having a touch of the classical, touch a cord though they are not listeners of classical music,'' Khan added.

Classical music should not remain restricted to certain music-lovers and gatherings as that would neither benefit music nor artistes, he said and pointed out that linking with pop music earned him good money.

''My fans include Prince Charles, George Michael and Goldie Hawn.

I have had the chance to share the stage with talents such as George Harrison, Yehudi Menuhin, Madonna and Duran Duran. I thank God for his mercy,'' Khan said.

UNI