An ‘instrumental’ journey

Did you know that the sarod (originally called Sarood, meaning music in Persian) is a modified rabab? The rabab is a popular instrument of Central Asia and the Middle East. A chat with musical brothers Ayaan and Amaan Ali Khan are full of nuggets like these. Their latest album — The Journey: Rabab to Sarod released by none other than Big B on Thursday, is about how different instruments co-exist in the world today. Talking about the starry launch they share, “Amit uncle has seen us grow up. His love and affection for the fine arts is a great testimony of his keen and diverse interests in music. We are very blessed that he is releasing this album. He is a monumental icon to the world and this means so much to us!”

Collaborations often mean bring along with them their share of creative differences. As brothers who’ve played alongside each other, was that ever a problem between them? “There is individuality that shines through even when you play together. However, when we practice, we always do it separately. The co-ordination that you see in our music is something that happens live on stage,” says Amaan adding, “For that kind of a synchronisation, you need to be completely in sync with your music partner. So, it’s good that we are able to do both — be individualistic and at the same time, be in sync with each other. We are more of friends so musically the connection is of two friends.”

Speaking of collaborations, the two are often seeing fusing tunes with their father and guru, sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. When asked to describe the equation, the two come up with a rather peculiar example — Batman and Wayne! “Abba is an old timer with regards to many things,” says Ayaan. For instance, “Even though he is a dear friend to me, a certain protocol in the relationship is always maintained.”

A big part of this protocol involves strict riyaaz and commitment to absorbing the essence of all kinds of music.   Elaborating on the same, Amaan says, “When we were growing up, our father would always be very happy to see us listen to music, not just practise it. Not just his own music, but also the music of an entire range of artistes from the era of our grandfather to the contemporaries of our father. This included classical, Western and Bollywood music,” says Ayaan.

Do they enjoy Bollywood music then? Of course, but to compare genres isn’t a fair game, they point out. “It’s like comparing sushi and chicken tikka!” exclaims Ayaan. “Indian artists have classical concerts selling out all over the world today. We need to understand that this has been a very intimate art form, initially not meant for masses. It was only post the aristocratic era that it opened its doors to the masses,” points out Amaan.