I think that Ustad's observation is just a brief answer to all those who are questioning Rahman these days... well... suddenly every Tom Dick and Harry is trying to find fault with Rahman....
Source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/headlines/%E2%80%98tv-channels-have-ruined-indian-art%E2%80%99-600 "Ustadji says he wonders why India can’t produce orchestra of a high order despite having stalwarts in different genres of music. “Maybe it’s due to our individualistic approach. It amazes me how in the West, 150 musicians can play in sync and produce such melodies. But our A.R. Rahman is doing a great job in orchestrating music in the international arena.” Read the complete article: TV channels have ruined Indian art Hyderabadis are in for a special treat soon, as ‘Sarod Samrat’ Ustad Amjad Ali Khan will be performing at a unique concert in the city. Elaborating on the concert, Ustadji says, “The Scottish Chamber Orchestra requested me for a sarod symphony in their orchestral piece. The 100-pipers’ Samagaam is going to be a beautiful blend of European classical music with the Indian. Musical instruments such as the flute, violin, guitar, sarod will be used in the composition.” Ustadji says he wonders why India can’t produce orchestra of a high order despite having stalwarts in different genres of music. “Maybe it’s due to our individualistic approach. It amazes me how in the West, 150 musicians can play in sync and produce such melodies. But our A.R. Rahman is doing a great job in orchestrating music in the international arena.” While most classical music stalwarts complain about youngsters’ aversion to classical music, this maestro blames it on television. “Around 200 TV channels have almost ruined our traditional art because they only promote filmy culture. Pure melody has taken a backseat while music with any kind of lyrics is ruling the world now.” But Ustadji does admire the spirit of the youth. “Today’s music loving youth got to be multi-faceted. They must be composers, orchestraters, performers, presenters, all rolled in to one,” he says. May be that’s why despite carrying on their father’s legacy, Ustadji’s sons Amaan and Ayaan Ali are now acting as leads in a JP Dutta film. “My sons are never ashamed to say namaste in Indian style. At the same time, they use ‘hi! bye!’ in their friends’ circle.” No doubt this “balancing of tradition with westernisation” has made the duo youth icons, thanks to their upbringing. “Yes, being unemployed people, my wife and I found ample time to bring up our children as responsible human beings,” he quips. The sarod maestro confesses he never had any bookish education but believed in the oral tradition of learning from his gurus. “Education couldn’t create compassion in a human being, it failed to make the world realise that there’s only one common God. Even terrorists have formal education. These terror attacks across the globe makes me ashamed for being a human being,” says Khan Sahab. However, Ustadji is hopeful that “Barack Obama and his Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will surely work towards establishing peace and harmony all over the world.” Despite all the negativity and disquiet around, the down-to-earth sarod wizard, who still considers himself a “learner,” says, “Love of people is my greatest asset. I am made by India. For someone like me, who has surrendered himself to God, to music, to time, tomorrow is like a dark tunnel, with the hope of sunrays, someday.” Talking of negativity, the stalwart quips, “Slumdog Millionaire has scared and upset me even though I congratulate the work of the artistes. But I feel, instead of just highlighting the misery of the slum dwellers, the cast and crew should donate the award money to improve the life of these people.” The maestro signs off on a positive note adding that Hyderabadi audience always delights him. “The confluence of Hindu-Muslim culture is amazing here and is palpable even in music. I wish the city retains its old wold charm forever,” he says. Vinod
