Set up Tansen Academy in Gwalior, says Amjad Ali Khan

Gwalior, Mar 9 (PTI) World-known sarod maestro Ustad
Amjad Ali Khan today said an Academy in the name of legendary
musician Mian Tansen should be set up here to promote music
and culture.
"The city has been known for its matchless contribution
to the sphere of music and dance and has given a legendary
figure like Mian Tansen to the world. But it is very sad to
note that the concerned authorities have not taken any step to
set up a 'Tansen Academy' to promote music and culture," Khan
told PTI.
The Ustad, who was at his birthplace to perform at the
Gwalior Heritage Festival along with his sons, said the city
has always been a memorable place for him. "We just wait for
the chance to play before the music enthusiasts here."
Recalling his early years, Khan said he used to spend
most of his time playing tabla than sarod.
"I would play tabla most of the time. It was my father's
efforts that helped me in developing interest in sarod. No
doubt tabla is essential for a better understanding of music
and I had realised that," he said.
Melodious sarod tunes played at the special stage on
'Baija Taal' at Moti Mahal palace cast a spell in the
atmosphere on the second day of the festival organised to
showcase the cultural and architectural heritage of the city.
Khan's two sons Amaan and Ayaan, the young talents in the
seventh generation of the 'Senia Bangash' school, gave a duet
performance and also played with their father.
Amjad Khan started his performance with 'Rag Subhalaxmi'.
But it was the rendering of Rabindranath Tagore's composition
'Ekla Chalo Re' that set the mood. The concluding performance
of the trio in raag 'Girbani' enthralled the audience.
Khan's youngest son Ayaan, who was giving his first
performance after his wedding, was very happy to get a chance
to play at his ancestral place.
"I am really happy to be a part of this festival. It's
really the experience of a lifetime to perform here," he said.
"We have given our ancestral home to Sarod. A museum --
Sarod Ghar -- has been set up there," he said.
Asked whether the two brothers would like to compose
music for Bollywood, he said, "It is an entirely new field, we
would be happy to compose for them."
The use of multi-coloured lights and the laser show added
to the beauty of the venue. The 19th century Moti Mahal was
flooded with computer-controlled lights which gained special
appreciation from the people.
The second day of festival also saw fusion band 'Advaita'
playing a blend of classical and western music.
The three-day long event will conclude today with a
performance of actress-politician Hema Malini.