ENARADA, Mysore, July 11,2013:
Senior Hindustani vocalist 106 years old Padma Bhushan Ustad Abdul Rashid khan, gave performances in Mysore today on an invitation from SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth).
Ustad gave his first performance at vivekananda memorial hall at Sri Mahajana educational institutions in the morning and second performance at SJCE in the Evening.
Meanwhile Mysore District Journalists’ Association (MDJA) had invited him as a guest for its regular interaction programme.
During the interaction, the Ustad, who was felicitated by Sarod maestro Pt. Rajiv Taranath, said Hindustani music was given a lot of importance during the rule of kings but as days passed, the encouragement dipped.
The Government has been encouraging Hindustani classical music but there is a need for further encouragement, said Ustad Khan of Gwalior Gharana. Speaking about his concerts throughout his professional career, he said that it was difficult to decide upon his best concert. He mentioned that till Hindustan would be alive Hindustani music will be alive, despite the craze of western music.
Ustad Khan said that it was important to popularise Hindustani music among children to carry forward the legacy.
Speaking about his daily routine, he said that he has only breakfast in the morning and dinner at around 11 pm. He does not have lunch in the afternoon and practices music throughout the day.
The Ustad was brought in a car to the venue and later shifted to a wheel-chair in which he sat throughout the interaction.
Born on 19th August 1908, he belongs to the musical tradition of Miya Tansen. Apart from khayal, he sings dhrupad, dhamar and thumri with equal versatility.
