'Won't give music for item songs'

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is a man who has become synonymous to is music. In Kolkata for the launch of his new album 'Music Room' by Saregama, the maestro tells India Blooms correspondent Sreya Basu he is taken help of fusion to reach out to young listeners

What is your new album 'Music Room' all about?
This album is about 'Guru-Shishya parampara', the spirit of working together and the importance of 'taleem'. Otherwise, the album is titled as 'Music Room' because there is a room in our house where we practice, which is called Music Room. The album has two CDs, in one of which I have played Sarod with Amaan and in the other with Ayaan. Today, when everyone wants to do everything alone, we three have worked together to inspire others to work as one team. Amaan and Ayaan are both very happy with the album and it matters a lot to them as this is the first time they are performing solo with their 'Abba' and guru.

What do you think of the young listeners? Do they like classical music?
Of course they like classical music. Everyone likes nice and touching music. Now-a-days, fusion is liked by everyone because people today don't have time. To please them, we have to take its support. We have to present our music in small pieces so that they experience the beauty of classical music in a less period of time. We have tried to do the same in this album. We have played traditional ragas in a very interesting manner.

Don't you feel that today, there are very less listeners of classical music?
No, it's not like that. But yes, there is a difference...the sources of entertainment are more. People say that listeners of classical music are less, but today also, when there is a classical music function, thousands and thousands of people gather to listen to the music.

Would you like to give music for a Bollywood movie?
If the script of the movie supports my music and it is valued, then I would surely give music for a Bollywood movie. I don't want to give music for songs that require dancing and singing in gardens.

For example, an item number?
Yes. I won't give music for an item song.

Recently, there was this 'sarod-breaking' incident. It must have been really hard for you?
My heart bled. It was like a heart attack for me. My sarods are a part of me and I was injured when my sarod broke.

You have been nominated for the Grammy Awards. You must be very happy...
It feels nice when you are nominated for such awards. I am nominated for the 'Best traditional music' I have played sarod with a resident of Iraq named Rahim Alhag who is a great Oud player. If I get the award, it will not only be honorable for my country, but it will also give a resemblance to sarod.