Ustad Amjad Ali Khan says art can’t be promoted for free

In a recent interview, the sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan said that art cannot be promoted for free. He argued that an artist should get what they deserve for their art.

Legendary sarod player Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is miffed with those who believe that music should be made free for the masses. In a recent interview, the Padma Vibhushan recipient says art cannot be promoted for free and argues that an artist should get what they deserve for their art.

In a recent interview, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan argued that an artist should get what they deserve for their art. (IANS)

“There are so many companies that say that they are promoting music for free or they are asking for grants from the government to do the same. Music koi toothpaste ya soft drink thodi na hai jo aap usko promote karoge?” he says further adding, “I believe a musician should get his or her due. Everyone should respect the artist for their art.”

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The 70-year-old musician explains his arguments with an analogy. “Whenever, you go to a temple, a mosque, or church. You have to buy the flowers that you offer to God, right? I am not saying musicians are Gods. But, it is a similar thing — a kind of ‘offering’, when you spend the money to come to our concerts or buy cassettes and CDs,” he explains, adding, “Free mein toh bas ashirwaad mil sakta hai.”

He adds, “It is a very beautiful feeling, when the manager of that venue comes and tells you that it’s a sold-out show.”