Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was recently present at a fundraiser in DlF Gurgaon. He spoke to Iknoor Kaur about banishing negativity among youth through music
There is only one way to achieve your goal in life — through tolerance and patience,” these words of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s father still resonate in the maestro’s mind when he thinks of the present generation. Present at Art For life 2 (a fundraiser event for the victims of the Uttarakhand flood by DlF in association with AAPSA Art) he said that the youth of today has become intolerant because of negativity.
“There is an imbalance in music today. I strongly believe that Bollywood music is not good for mind and soul. Pure sound, if listened to, can have. However, today language has become a barrier. With words, we forget the surrealism in music and focus on the words,” he said.
Apart from that “there are only two things the youth is obsessed with these days, Bollywood and politics. The character of our nation is becoming weak.”
According to him the reason for this imbalance is the fast pace of life. He explained, “Nobody has time to do anything today. The kind of music people are listening to today disturbs rather than helping them. Though all kinds of music have the same basic notes, there is a change in its presentation. language is the biggest culprit. Sound goes to the heart, while language manipulates the mind.”
Khan stated that he communicates to the world in only one language. “I can’t express my true feelings without music. This is my only way of communication. Sound is transparent and I am an open book,” he said.
Khan’s added, “Everyone feels bad about what happened in Uttarakhand. A lot of people suffered and we all are trying to get some money to help those affected. I want there to be a peaceful atmosphere in the state. I think with art we can send out a bigger message. Any form of art is helpful.”