A soulful performance by Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan and Shubha Mudgal at a school in Gurgaon recently left the audience mesmerised. City Spidey gets into a freewheeling conversation with the sarod players.
It was a night to remember. A soulful performance by Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan and Shubha Mudgal at a private school in Gurgaon on April 9 left the audience enthralled.
Some of the compositions played included those in Raag Desh, Raag Pilu and folk pieces from Assam and Bengal.
City Spidey got into a freewheeling conversation with the sarod players.
“We enjoyed performing for such a receptive audience," Amaan said. "Music is part of me — it's like meditation. Music connects me to God, my guru, my parents and my brother. It's the epicentre of my emotions. Once you are on the stage, you don't realise that you are already in the flow — you are ahead of the moment. There is so much energy in Indian classical music.”
Ayaan is quick to pitch in, “Classical music is like an ocean — it's timeless. It’s in the DNA of every Indian.”
The chemistry between the two brothers is hard to miss.
Speaking about the musical bond, Amaan says, “Ayaan is my musical companion, and my music is now in sync with his.”
“I think we are blessed to be in the same field," Ayaan responds. "We get to travel and spend a lot of time together.”
The conversation then turned to Gurgaon.
“I feel music lovers here feel very left out. Most of the concerts happen in Delhi. I do hope more such concerts are organised here — it was a pleasure coming here to perform. I was happy to see so many youngsters at the concert. We always feel connected with the youth,” Ayaan said.
And any advice for young aspirants?
“There’s no substitute for riyaaz [practice],” replied Amaan, in a rather measured tone.
“You could make a good amount of progress even in two hours of riyaaz, but you will need the right guru to guide you,” added Ayaan.
To hard work, one must also add humility, felt Amaan.
Looking half amused, Amaan said, “The problem with the youth is that they forget all the rules — they are desperate to perform on stage. I see a lot of arrogance — they take themselves too seriously. Have fun in life.”
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