Your competition is with one who is more humble than you: Ayaan Ali Bangash

 

 

 

 

 

Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash and Satyajit Talwalkar need no introduction. The former two are the stalwart sarod players in the country whereas Satyajit Talwalkar is a noted tabla player. All these musicians have performed on global stages together including noble peace prize programmes. Notably, apart from their achievements, Ayaan and Amaan are the sons of Sarod virtuoso Ustad Amjad Ali Khan whereas Satyajit is the son of leading Tabla player, Pandit Suresh Talwalkar. On Tuesday, they arrived in the city to perform at ‘Pranati’ organised in collaboration of Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Culture Department of the State. At that moment, ‘The Hitavada’ talked to the stalwarts of Hindustani Classical music where they talked about the varied aspects of music underlining their life experiences. Excerpts from the conversation:-

Q. How do you forecast the role and interference of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Indian Classical Music?

 

Amaan- Artificial Intelligence or AI is a mechanism that catches on your past things and practically fails in this realm. Since, in our music nothing is written and every piece or Raga is played differently by several artists with their own experience. Also, to add more, it is nearly impossible for AI to be at par with a particular artist. So, I believe that AI has a long way to go.

Ayaan- Of course, it is a new kid in the block and time will determine its role and importance. I think Rahman Sahab (AR Rahman) made use of AI by inducting the voice of a deceased singer into his album with a motive of helping his/her family financially. So, for a good cause, the use of AI can be understood. But, up to a limited level.

Q. All three of you come from a family which has a great musical lineage. Ayaan and Amaan are the sons of Sarod virtuoso Ustad Amjad Ali Khan whereas Satyajit is the son of leading Tabla player, Pandit Suresh Talwalkar. In this scenario, do you find it challenging to come out of your father’s shadow and establish an independent identity of your own?

Satyajit- ‘Agar zameen he hasil ho jaaye to badi baat hai’ (Even if we can get over the basics, that is a big thing). Before coming out of the shadows, it is important not only for us but for any musician that he/she should first attain the minimum basic level. Though, certainly there should be a shadow of the teacher or guru in the disciple but before that attaining that minimum basic level is important.

Amaan- Along with this, we have to also remember that we should play as per the teachings. This means, we try our best so that the image of our guru is not shattered and we can go in line with the level of the expectations of the audience since they expect a lot from us in the sense that we are the disciples of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.

Ayaan- Also, we express our gratitude towards god for giving us such a destiny and to be born into such a family where many aspire for taking birth.

Q. How does it feel while playing Sarod?

Amaan and Ayaan:- We feel blessed. Sarod is a kind of instrument which is perceived as a more difficult instrument for beginners and to be true, every instrument is difficult in its own sense. We can certainly say that while playing we feel humble and that’s what is the major thing about playing the instrument for attaining the level of bliss.

 

Q. For an artist, ‘innovation’ and ‘improvisation’ matter the most. How do you ensure their discourse while on stage while performing in any ceremony or occasion?

Amaan, Ayaan and Satyajit:- Yes, without a second thought, they matter for an artist and are achieved through teachings and values that are embedded into your heart and soul. But at the same time, one should also remember to discharge his/her duty as a musician with utmost sincerity. Then, these things become secondary as with these values, it doesn’t matter whether the musician is playing a piece with limited and less improvisations.

Q. Values are considered to be an indispensable part of music, how do you, as musicians, expect it from the upcoming generations and what are the morals that you have inherited from your guru or forefathers?

Amaan:- I once raised a question to my father Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. I asked him, “Abba (Father) a lot of competition has emerged in recent times which is quite disturbing at some points. So please tell me who should I consider my competitor?”.

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