http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/feb/01/amjad-ali-khan-on-losing-grammy.htm
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan may have lost out on a Grammy [ Images ] win at the 52nd
Grammy awards but the maestro is very happy for A R Rahman, who won two
Grammies this year.
The Ustad was nominated in the Traditional World Music category for his album
Ancient Sounds in collaboration with Iraqi oud artiste Rahim AlHaj.
Patcy N asks Ustadji about his loss.
Are you disappointed about losing at the Grammies?
No, not at all. I am happy that Rahman
won an award because an Indian musician got it. Personally, I did not
enter any kind of competition when we recorded the album Ancient Sounds in
America, with Rahim AlHaj. We did not have any idea of the future of
the album. The album's producer decided to enter the competition. I was
not even aware until I was nominated.
You had said that the Grammy win was important because the sarod would become
popular. Do you feel bad that the sarod may have to wait longer for attention?
I have been travelling for all over
Europe and America for 20 years, so the sarod is already popular. Also,
my country has given me many honours like the Padma Bhushan, Padma
Vibhushan and a doctorate from Shantiniketan.
Douga Mansa won the Grammy in the category that you were nominated for. Have
you heard his music?
No, I have never heard his work or the album which was nominated.
Do you think Rahman deserved the Grammy?
Yes. He is so young and committed to music. He has done a diploma from Trinity
College. He gives a freshness to film music.
I like his music and the fact that he is young. The future of India [ Images ]
is in the hands of young musicians, whether they are classical or film music
composers.
I hope he creates more appealing and
peaceful music for disturbed people so that they get peace and
tranquillity. He will go a long way in life.
What are you working on right now?
I am writing orchestra symphony for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, which will
record in March in England [ Images ]. I also have some offers in
collaborations. I think I should take
them up to popularise my sarod. I am doing collaborations very late in
life but I have realised that we have to show the world that we are one
through music.
