Master stroke

Legendry sarod player Ustad Amjad Ali Khan has written a book on 12 legendary musicians of the country titled Master on Masters. The book was unveiled on Tuesday evening by Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar in the presence of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s wife Subhalakshmi and sons Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash in Mumbai.

The book release was followed by a reading session and conversation between Karan and the Ustad, which revolved around sharing memories, changing culture of music and how technology has taken away heart-to-heart connection amongst people.

In the book, published by Penguin Random House, Khan recalled his earlier memories with iconic musicians like Bade Gulam Ali Khan, Amir Khan, Ustad Alla Rakha, Kesarbai Kerkar, Kumar Gandharva, Bhimsen Joshi and Ustad Bismillah Khan, among others.

As the book is filled with anecdotes, Karan read out one of the excerpts on famous ghazal singer Begum Akhtar, which reflected how in yesteryears young musicians used to pay respect to their seniors. “I think the younger generations also show their respect to their seniors but, yes, the gesture and attitude has changed. Earlier, we used to touch our elders’ feet, now youngsters shake hands,” said Johar.  —  IANS