For Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, the legendary sarod virtuoso, music is more than just a career—it is a sacred calling. His journey began at the age of 12 when he became the primary earner for his family, guided by divine grace and the unwavering support from every corner of India. Reflecting on his path, he humbly acknowledges, “Every region of India encouraged me and nurtured me, shaping me into Amjad Ali Khan.”

Hailing from the esteemed Senia Beenkar Gharana, a lineage that traces its roots to the great Swami Haridas and Miyan Tansen, Ustadji sees himself as a humble representative of that rich tradition. His personal life mirrors this deep connection to classical arts. His wife, Subhalakshmi Barua, a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and disciple of Rukmini Arundale, shares his passion for the performing arts. His sons, Amaan and Ayaan, have also embraced the legacy of their gharana, carrying forward the torch of classical music with grace and dedication.

Over the years, Ustadji has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. Reflecting on these honors, he says, “Every award is a big encouragement and honor.” He also fondly remembers being named ‘Sarod Samrat’ by the Prayag Sangeet Samiti at the age of 15 or 16, an early recognition that set the stage for his illustrious career. International recognition came in 1984, when the Governor of Massachusetts declared April 20 as Amjad Ali Khan Day, followed by California proclaiming April 13 as the same.

Watching his sons perform alongside him brings him immense joy, and he treasures the moments spent with his grandchildren, Abeer and Zohaan. “When the five of us perform, we call it the Sarod Quintet,” he shares, recounting performances across global stages, including in New York and at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai.

Ustadji’s musical appreciation transcends genres. He admires artists from various fields, including the late Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, and the international sensation BTS. His openness to collaboration shines through in his Sarod Concerto project, performed by leading orchestras worldwide, including the London Philharmonic. He has also collaborated with legends like Ustad Bismillah Khan and Charlie Byrd and continues to explore fusion music with great passion.

In today’s digital age, Ustadji acknowledges both the opportunities and distractions brought by technology. While his grandchildren are often absorbed in their phones, he finds comfort in knowing that when their father calls for practice, they dutifully respond. His disciples also share this devotion, as evidenced by his recent performance for a Robotic Surgeons’ Conference in Delhi, accompanied by two of his disciples from Bengal, Dev Shankar and Jyoti Shankar.

Ustadji believes that music belongs to all people and transcends religion. “Music doesn’t belong to any religion. Like flowers, water, fire, fragrance, and color, it is universal. I belong to every religion of India,” he asserts. He expresses concern about the rise of politics based on religion, emphasizing the trust and unity among the people of India. He reminds us that Ustad Bismillah Khan and he himself were created by the people of India.

A great proponent of music education, Ustadji encourages young musicians to approach classical music not as a profession but as a way of life. “It’s like entering a dark tunnel with the hope of a sunray,” he explains. His own education was unconventional, with his father initially opposing formal schooling. However, he later embraced it, and his residencies at Stanford University, York University, Indiana, and Washington have become instrumental in sharing his vast musical knowledge.

Ustadji has a deep respect for Western classical traditions. “They write, read, and perform music at the same time. I salute that tradition,” he says, describing his visits to Vienna as pilgrimages to honor the great composers and conductors of Austria. He is also deeply proud that his birthplace, Gwalior, has been declared the Capital Town of Music by UNESCO. The Sarod Ghar museum in his ancestral home, which houses rare instruments from his forefathers and other musicians, stands as a testament to his family’s legacy.

His message to all listeners is simple yet profound: “If you listen to music with concentration for even five minutes, you will feel some kind of divine energy in your system. God bless you. Have a long, happy, healthy life.”