Amman and Ayaan

  • Amman and Ayaan
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  • Sarod
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It is not always a pleasurable experience to meet the youth of today. But it is different when you meet Amman and Ayaan Ali Bangash, sons of Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.They have grown into two very entertaining musicians, following their father"s footsteps yet ahead of his shadow. In an exclusive interview with from hindustantimes.com Aaman and Ayaan pour their hearts out applauding their mother and the tehzeeb they follow.

How would you describe yourselves as musicians, as humans and as sons?

It"s all integrated; you can"t compartmentalize it. From the time we were born, music was a way of life. We had a father playing music and, unlike other parents, he did not go to office.

But, in due course, we understood the importance. As human beings we are musicians, as musicians we are human beings and we need to grow and learn every day.

As sons we share a beautiful relationship with our father and as disciples we had a unique rapport with him. We were the youngest disciples that our father ever had. We were living with him all our lives but, at the end of the day, more than anything else we are his disciples.

So, it is all about this unique and beautiful life and we thank God for the perfect balance and harmony in all the roles that we have to perform.

what kind of music attracts you?

We have been listening to all kinds of music. I don"t listen to much of trance but Amman likes it very much. We listen to anything though my personal taste is melody more than percussion.

We also like our father"s contemporaries and my grandfather"s music. Actually, listening to everything opens more avenues and we can learn more.


Ever thought of delving into the world of composing?

Yes, definitely we would like to move forward to the world of composing.

We have had offers before but somehow we could not work them out. But yes, the urge to produce something that is your own is definitely there.


How hard is it to get out of your fathers shadow?

I see it as an advantage more than a case of being overshadowed. Many people have not yet achieved a lot in spite of lots of practice. We have had that initial leverage due to our father"s presence. But yes, though we got the initial boost we have to live up to the expectations of the people. We have to be better the next time we play. There are a whole lot of very educated people sitting there who know the nuances of classical music especially in Maharashtra and Bengal. So we have to be on the move and practice harder.

So, the heart of the matter is that our father has been our guiding angel more than once rather than we being in his shadow.


When did you realize that this is what you wanted to do?

We realized it at a very early age. Initially, we saw and learnt that we were musicians. By the age of ten nobody had to tell us to practice. We did it naturally and it was second nature to us. It was and has been a part of life. So we never had the chance to get confused as to what to do and think about the future. Our parents were very liberal and they never forced us to do anything, So we had our choices, but providence has been proving the fact that Amman and Ayaan are meant to play the sarod and so be it.


Ever thought about fusion music?

Yes definitely. Fusion is where you can spread your wings. Indian classical music, to put it correctly, is freedom but within the confinements of tehzeeb and discipline. But fusion is freedom without boundaries. So definitely we would like to delve into it. In fact, we have actually done a couple of acts with some Spanish musicians.

And we have a lot of great fusion artists in India too. But, ideally I would like to do it with western players. Though fusion means unison, it is a western concept. So it would more fun doing acts with them.


What do you have in the works at present?

Well, we have had a couple of offers in the recent past and we are working on a couple of them now. But I guess you will have to wait for them before I divulge anything. Interestingly, we have also had offers to play lead roles in movies.

And one offer was almost finalized. But we realized that this was not what we were born to do. May be there is more glamour in the world of movies. But coming from the tehzeeb we followed right from our childhood, films were not meant for us.


What do you do when not playing music?

Ayaan: Well I like to hang out with friends. But then, we hardly find the time to do that, and our friends have started complaining. But then, they are a great bunch of people, they pretty well understand the kind of high pressure jobs we have (laughs out loud)


Are you guys seeing anyone, as in dating?

Well... not right now. But yes, we do feel that you need to be with someone and talk to someone at times, and the fun and joy of making calls and overseas calls and giving gift and flowers and all...

But for now, no, we are not seeing anyone...


What do you have to say about the general taste levels of the listening crowd today?

Today, the crowd has evolved and so the taste levels differ. There is a niche audience for every kind of music though the base is small. But there is something for everyone today

It"s a good sign that the crowd is maturing.


What is your mother"s role in being whatever you are today?

She is the circle around which the three of us revolve. Had it not been for her efforts, we would have not been half of what we are. She, as you know, is a Bharatnattyam danseuse herself. But she has given up dancing to devote her time to make us what we are today.

Maa is our spirit, our love and life. She takes care of everything right from the kurta we will wear during our concerts to the daily menu in the kitchen.
She is our pillar of strength, our inspiration.

 

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