Classical music is for all

Ustad Raza Ali Khan, the grandson of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and son of Ustad Munawar Ali Khan was in Hyderabad for a Sufi music programme.

Excerpts:

How does it feel to be in Hyderabad?
Hyderabad has always been like my home. My young days were spent in Red Hills and Basheerbagh. A visit to Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills were a place for us to sight wildlife and panthers. I used to find the climate also good for ‘riyaz’. Behind Purani Haveli, there used to be the house of Kazim Nawaz Jung, where we were provided with a special space for our ‘riyaz’. I have many childhood friends and students, who have learnt from me. I love the food of Hyderabad. It has so much variety!

How is the younger generation taking up classical music?
The younger generation is very much interested in classical music even in these fast changing scenarios. But the concentration levels are not as high as in the past. The social media, cell phones and software technology have given them enough ‘second to second’ distraction opportunities.

How was your training time during childhood?
My father was a very strict teacher and there was no chance of any diversion from being an obedient student. He knew that the hard way of learning would be good for me and did it that way.

What do you think can bring a much-required change in the thought process of younger generation towards classical music?
I think it’s very important for the Government and the private sector to come in a big way and support the different art forms of this country. It could be in terms of financial support for performances or scholarships for learning the art form. But, the most important aspect is that there must be a constant evaluation of the progress that is made from time to time. Without any such evaluation process in place, it’s more or less a move towards a blind alley.

How do you see performing arts happening in Hyderabad?
Hyderabad has always been a vibrant city for creative and artistes’ community. I still feel that there is a need to establish an independent and exclusive university for arts and culture. Since this city assimilates all the cultures from across India, a varsity is a much-needed requirement.

How do you see the future for classical music?
Nowadays, there are attempts to have music for the masses. There is a bit of ‘fusion’ all around. But classical music has from time immemorial always been for the rajas, maharajas or the emperors and rulers. It was not accessible to the common man. So the villagers were more or less having exposure to other forms of folklore arts.

Still, there is a very great support for classical arts and its growing day by day although at a snail pace. There is a need to provide opportunities in classical arts for students of Government schools and even children in rural areas. There has to be a constant infusion of funds to train teachers and performers. We hardly have enough teachers of classical arts, as required for a large population spread over the length and breadth of this country.

By Jaywant Naidu