Ustad Amjad Ali Khan set to perform with his sons, grandsons

Watching Ustad Amjad Ali Khan in company of his sons Ayaan and Amaan Ali Bangash in a previous interaction was an experience befitting his eminence Warm and amiable during his interactions hersquod appear both concerned for and pleased with them when discussing their journey in the industry Considering the affection he portrays for his sons one could only suppose that the veteran would be a doting grandfather to Ayaanrsquos kids Zohan and Abeer with whom he is set to collaborate on February 16 Three generations of the family are set to entertain fans with music and conversations at an upcoming city gig details of which they share with midday in this conversationEdited excerpts from the interviewHow did the decision to bring forth this show with three generations come aboutAyaan My kids are lucky to get the chance to share the stage with my father We feel honoured Irsquove always tried to give my kids an upbringing in which music plays a crucial role During the lockdown I decided to teach them well Wersquod play for six hours and they were eager to grasp musical knowledge When my father met them he was happy to see how they had progressed This is a platform for them to seek blessings Music is a craft that needs the audiencersquos blessings We wish to create an emotional connect with people and the kids need their wishesWersquove seen the bond that you share with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and hersquos inarguably among the most doting fathers How is he as a teacher to your kidsAyaan I have to take some credit for their music knowledge Because when I walk into the room when he is meant to be teaching them it seems like therersquos a party going on I see them sitting on his lap and enjoying themselves My father doesnrsquot say a word to them So Irsquom the one who has to bring things in order Our kids are those who love BTS they are Beliebers Justin Bieber fans but they are also those who love Elvis Presley They are an unusual combination and enjoy both old and modern music When it comes to music they know this is not something thatrsquos all fun and games Therersquos a sacredness associated with it As musicians we imbibe the journey of life My dad calls himself a student of music even today We are in search of excellence and are reinventing our craft With the kids I took a different route Even I didnrsquot have the opportunity to play with my family as an ensemble when I was as young as they are Thatrsquos a wonderful experience for them They will also have a questionanswer session with him on stageYour fans have seen you perform as a family How is this gig going to be differentAmjad Generally classical music concerts go on for hours Here however we will have three segments featuring different musicians The presentation is important and we have focused on making that appealing for people I had given the kids the freedom to listen to all musicians whether or not I like the artiste So they tell me stories about BTS and other musicians I enjoy that process But I recall after their first stage concert they were eager to perform again This is the power of classical music Itrsquos a long journey like an elephantrsquos walk A man must surrender to it and thatrsquos why it is a struggle It is our responsibility to carry forward a legacy it is our duty to introduce and shareAlso Read Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Who better than him to spread the message of togethernessAmaan This show will include emotional exchanges It would be nice to see our family speak without words and only through music A lot of people have seen Ayaan and me grow up and perform together We cared a lot about what people thought Todayrsquos kids donrsquot care too much and thatrsquos a good thing They think of performing well and thatrsquos all that mattersAs someone who has been a teacher to your sons and have repeated the process for your grandkids what is a crucial aspect about education in music that needs attentionAmjad If the child is interested let him pursue it My message to each youngster is to listen to all kinds of music Our kids enjoy learning and practising Schools sometimes donrsquot encourage creativity Schools should identify creative children and should not suppress their creativity The contribution of parents and schools is importantemspAmaan in a previous interaction you were mulling over whether a person would have more security in professions of law or medicine when compared to those in art Is that something you worry about for the familyrsquos kidsNow when I look back I think being a musician is the easiest thing to do Even if you are a bad musician you will still have money If you are a bad doctor or lawyer one mistake can ruin your life Becoming a spiritual guru is also the easiest thing to do I can claim to be a spiritual person and still make money To the kids Irsquod say pick a field and music can always follow