“A dream I lived alone” is a beautifully written book highlighting the life story of the living legend Ustaad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Sahab. The book is co –authored by his daughter in law Namrata Gupta Khan. As I read the book, I couldn’t help but marvel at the simplicity and the down to earth nature and character that Ustaad Sahab has displayed throughout his life whether it was towards his own family, his neighbours, his students (Hariharanji, Shaan, Sonu Nigamji, Manna Dey Sahab, Asha Bhosleji to list a few) or his acquaintances. From humble beginnings he has emerged as an iconic figure not only in India but internationally in the field of Indian classical music. Whilst many people in today’s fast paced world command respect through their wealth and riches, Ustaad Sahab commands respect through his humility and wise words of wisdom. Having had the opportunity of being in his esteemed company a month ago, I was totally overwhelmed by the piety of this majestic soul. Every word that emerged from his mouth was either a prayer or words providing guidance in an individual’s life. (May Allah grant you all a long life of good health. May Allah grant you all success. May Allah protect your marriage from the evil eye). When Ustaad Sahab met Papa, out of respect towards his guest, Ustaad sahab got up to embrace dad and asked him to sit next to him. As we chatted, he quietly asked his beloved daughter in law to serve us tea or something cold. He was quite insistent that we do have something to eat. We spent only an hour in his esteemed presence, yet we will never ever be able to forget the warmth and hospitality displayed towards all of us. As a wise man once said, “People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”
As a side thought, I am of the opinion that every narrow minded judgmental Muslim individual should read this book. I know for a fact that there are people out there within our community who are of the opinion that if a Muslim person is a part of the art and culture fraternity that they are going straight to hell. Who are we to judge another human being? Who are we to taunt another human being for the God given talent that they were born with? Ustaad Sahab is a very modest man, yet from what I was told, he spends the latter part of the night immersed in worship until sunrise. Whilst travelling he is consistently in the rememberance of God Almighty. His character is exemplary towards young and old. No one gives us the right to judge the affairs of another human being. The world that we reside in is indeed a beautiful place. Hence, use your eyes to see the good that exists all around you. Religion, prayer and faith should be a very personal interaction between you and God Almighty. The artist playing his harmonium or the singer engaging with his audience through his melodious voice bestowed upon him by his Creator, can in all probability be a better human being than the person tearing the prayer mat night and day but also chooses to run down his fellow human being at every given opportunity. Think about it. Live and let live!
My heartiest congratulations goes out to Namrata Gupta Khan for her sterling efforts in putting this book together. I am sure it was not an easy task considering Ustaad Sahab does not like talking much about himself or his achievements. At the end, it was definitely worth the effort. I would also like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank her once again for affording us the opportunity to meet her Papaji, Ustaad Ghulam Mustafa Khan Sahab. This book is definitely a must read.
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*Amazon* : http://bit.ly/ADreamILivedAlone
*Flipkart* : http://bit.ly/UstadGhulamMustafaKhan
