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Tansen?s nonagenarian descendant exemplifies undying spirit
A rendezvous with the musician Abdul Rasheed Khan is a unique experience in itself. Even at the ripe old age of 98 years, Khan is still very much active in the field of music which makes him stand apart as the oldest musician.
A rendezvous with the musician Abdul Rasheed Khan is a unique experience in itself. Even at the ripe old age of 98 years, Khan is still very much active in the field of music which makes him stand apart as the oldest musician.
Moreover he claims to be the direct descendant of Miyan Tansen, the singer popularly known as the performer in Akbar's court. According to him, he represents the 20th generation of Surat Sen, the younger son of Tansen.
Having lost his fingers of both hands and toes in an unfortunate incident at the age of 25 years, Khan totally dedicated himself to music which he calls as 'sadhana'.
He was in the city on Wednesday to perform at the show organised by Spic Macay.
"Ford Foundation of America is doing a commendable job of preserving the Indian classical music and for that purpose the organisation is recording the musical creations of renowned vocalists across the country. For that purpose, I have already recorded 700 'bandish' for them," he said.
This singer belonging to Gwalior Gharana is also the visiting professor at the ITC, Sangeet Research Akademi, Kolkata. He excels in Khayal singing and believes in composing his own music and lyrics. "I write with the pen name of 'Rasan Piya' and I have written compositions numbering over 50,000," he said.
Even at the age of 98 years, Khan spends five to six hours each day in teaching music to his disciples. "Age factor has restricted me from doing any separate riyaz and thus the time I spend in teaching is the only riyaz I do at present," he added. As against the popular belief regarding the younger generation which is said to be drifting away from classical music, Khan says that they are now returning to their roots.
"I have several young disciples, thus I feel they are becoming more sensitive towards music.
Even quality music is being dished out in few movies, however their number is still low," he said.
In his long journey of serving the music, he has received several awards such as Sangeet Natak Akademi award by UP Government, Ras Rang Samman and several others.
However he did not get any financial help from government for pursuing his 'sadhana'.
"Basically used as a means of recreation for kings earlier, music witnessed too many ups and downs.
All I know is that I have still lived up to the expectations of my ancestors and never deterred from the path of dedicating my life to music which is so far my greatest achievement," said the maestro.
Connoisseurs grace opening function
The State-level convention of Spic Macay was inaugurated at Prayag Sangeet Samiti on Wednesday.
The event was given an auspicious start by lighting the traditional lamp by JN Chaturvedi, secretary Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Dr Kiran Seth, president Spic Macay and SP Mishra, UP chapter incharge.
Hundreds of delegates belonging to various cities participated in the event in which the participants discussed their experiences regarding their earlier partaking in other such conventions.
More than 200 delegates belonged to Allahabad itself who were students from various schools. Prominent participants were from Faizabad, Firozabad, Ghaziabad, Sultanpur, Varanasi etc. The main aim of the organisation is to create the interest for music among the youngsters which they could enjoy for their self-enlightenment. Dr Asha Asthana, former principal of CMP Degree College, Dr Madhu Shukla, coordinator, Dr Malvika Mitra from Varanasi and several others were present on the occasion.
A musical programme was held in the second session in the evening in which classical music was presented by Ustad Abdul Rasheed Khan. Dr Malvika Mitra presented Kathak and Bhajan Sopari too presented a musical item. The event will conclude on January 5.
On January 5, the session will start in the morning in which the delegates will be imparted knowledge regarding the attainment of deep meditation through music.
The session will be headed by eminent musician Pt Kashalkar. Yoga session will take place afterwards. In the afternoon, Vatsa Goswami Maharaj from Virndavan will give lectures on spirituality to the participants.
