.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was in Goa over the weekend, where he, along with 12 other classical musicians performed at the programme titled, ‘Malhar and the Sea’.
The sarod maestro dedicated his performance in memory of the young doctor who was brutally raped and murdered in a Kolkata hospital.
GOA HAS RICH MUSICAL ROOTS
But, first, he spoke of Goa, and the concert he was part of in South Goa's Arossim. He then proceeded to talk about Goa’s musical legends.
“People who belong to this region are artistes, like Kishori Amonkar, Mogubai Kurdikar, Kesarbai Kerkar. I performed here in Goa in memory of Kesarbai Kerkar as she and my father Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan were contemporaries. I met her in 1960 in Kolkata, where we performed. The Mangeshkar family – Lataji's father has roots in Goa – they are all very good,” said the Padma Vibhushan awardee.
GOA NEEDS MORE CLASSICAL EVENTS
Talking about Goa, he said he visited the State after many years but is happy to see how it is evolving as a music hub. “I’ve come to Goa after a very long time. Goa has become such an international hub for all kinds of music, which is very nice. I’ve been coming to Goa for many years now and it has a different kind of atmosphere and flavour to it,” he said.
He added that Goa needs to organise events like the one in Arossim. “However, Goa needs to have more cultural activities. I keep waiting, at least once a year I must come to Goa. I’m very happy that I get to spend time with my family as my sons and grandkids are here with me,” he said with a smile.
DEDICATED THE SHOW TO KOLKATA RAPE VICTIM
Though performing in Goa always makes him happy, the ustad appeared troubled over the torture and the brutality of the rape case at Kolkata’s RG Kar College. Before taking to the stage, he said, “I’ve planned to dedicate the concert to the doctor who was raped and tortured in Kolkata. I’m very sad about it and this is the repetition of what happened 12 years ago in the capital city of India – the Nirbhaya case.” The present incident took place in a State that worships goddess Durga, he added.
I’ve planned to dedicate the concert to the doctor who was raped and tortured in Kolkata. I’m very sad about it and this is the repetition of what happened 12 years ago in the capital city of India – Nirbhaya.
Amjad Ali Khan
He said, “Education cannot create compassion and kindness among human beings. The police and judiciary feel helpless and people who have created such heinous crimes should be surrendered to the public who will decide what has to be done.”
The evening with Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was taken to another level. As his soulful music hit the right notes, sharing the stage with him, world-renowned artist Paresh Maity painted a large canvas of Goa’s scenic beauty.
The painting, inspired by Goa and the music of the ustad, was then auctioned and the proceeds donated to the National Association for the Blind.